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Who advises Yahaya Bello?* *By Kehinde Osifisan

Published

3 weeks ago

November 28, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Who advises Yahaya Bello?

*By Kehinde Osifisan

The above question arose out of one’s curiosity based on the way the detained former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has conducted himself since his ordeal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) came into the public knowledge around April this year.

In April this year, Yahaya Bello was said to have been invited by the EFCC to help its investigations into the multi-billion naira fraud that allegedly occurred during his eight year reign as governor of the “Confluence State.”

The former helmsman, whose nickname is “white lion”, ignored the invitation. The tall and lanky Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, bent backwards and out of his way, put a telephone call to Bello and persuaded him to honour the invitation of the anti-corruption agency. Still, Bello did not budge.

There is a saying in Yoruba language that: “You are told that you have a problem and you said you are going to the stream first, when you return from the stream, you will come back to meet the problem, even the problem would have increased”.

The “white lion” went on the stream of sponsored media applause, pliable civil society groups and buyable activists. Barrage of simulated attacks were unleashed on the EFCC and its chairman, Olukoyede. In fact, the Kogi House of Assembly, acting as accessory after the fact, passed a resolution that the EFCC Chairman should be sacked!

One had wondered whether Bello will be able to forever stay away from the EFCC; and if that was even possible. Bello’s cousin, successor and current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo effectively expanded his immunity to cover Bello as he severally shielded him away from being arrested by the EFCC.

The court had no choice but to declare Bello wanted when he won’t honour court summons for his arraignment. His orchestrated antics became so nauseating that one of his senior lawyers, Adeola Adedipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in June, applied to withdraw his representation for Yahaya Bello. Adedipe notated that: “…given the direction the case had taken, he would like to withdraw his appearance for the defendant pursuant to Section 349(8) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.” The court even threatened to report his lawyers to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Council (LPDC) for their inability to produce Bello in court despite previous commitments and assurances to do so.

Yahaya’s forum-shopping, with Kogi State government as proxy, went as far as the Supreme Court until it turned out to be a wild goose chase. One of the courts from which Yahaya Bello had consistently absent himself from was ready to commence his trial in absentia at a date fixed for November 27.

The EFCC arrested Bello who forayed into its premises for the second time on November 26, and immediately took Bello into custody. His first struts at the EFCC’s car park was on September 18, 2024 during which he held hands with Governor Ododo, took some photo shots and disappeared under Ododo’s wings of immunity.
Last Tuesday, he was arrested by the EFCC after he reportedly turned himself in.
The next day, the EFCC railroaded Bello to the court.
That was where Bello made his biggest blunder so far. Instead of showing remorse and humility, like a thief caught in the act, before a judge whose summons he had shunned many times, the egoistic Bello rather chose to behave like an unfaithful married woman coming from the home of her lovers and wanting to enter her husband’s house with strong-face.

Overnight, supporters of the drama-king have been mobilized to the court. No body could advise Bello. He was unable to advise or comport himself. He sat grinning, shaking and pumping hands of friends and lawyers. His mobilised supporters already occupied the court room to its brim. Not only that, Bello could not advise or control his supporters as they became rowdy, unruly and noisy even while the judge sat! Until the judge stormed out of the court room in annoyance and vowed not to return until Bello’s supporters are comported!

The judge returned to listen to the parties, especially the application for bail presented by lawyers to Bello and his two co-accused. The presiding judge later adjourned the matter for two weeks during which Bello and the other two co-accused were to remain in EFCC’s custody.

Perhaps, if the judge has not been angered with the unruly supporters of Bello, who already disrespected the court severally, thereby adding salt to injury, perhaps the period of adjournment would not have been that long.

Perhaps, the two weeks Bello will spend in EFCC’s custody will make him to be sober and listen to people on expected conduct from him and his supporters. Perhaps humility will set in for Bello to avoid further humiliation. Just perhaps!

*Kehinde Osifisan is the Programme Coordinator at Journalists Against Corruption (JAC)*

Related Topics:Featured politics Yahaya Bello

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celebrity radar - gossips

BREAKING: Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Granted N500M Bail

Published

6 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Court rejects EFCC's request to arraign Yahaya Bello without his counsel, adjourns to Dec 13 Ex-Gov to remain in custody

BREAKING: Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Granted N500M Bail

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, setting the amount at N500 million with three sureties. Bello, who faces a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering totaling N110 billion, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Maryann Anenih had earlier rejected Bello’s bail application for being premature but reconsidered after a fresh application. Alongside Bello, two co-defendants were granted bail with adjusted conditions, including property sureties across various Abuja districts.

The court also ordered all defendants to surrender their travel documents and remain in custody until bail conditions are met, as both legal teams agreed to expedite the trial.

celebrity radar - gossips

Nancy Isime Celebrates 33rd Birthday with Dream Home Reveal: A Testament to Faith and Perseverance”

Published

12 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nancy Isime Celebrates 33rd Birthday with Dream Home Reveal: A Testament to Faith and Perseverance”

Nigerian actress and TV host Nancy Isime has kicked off her 33rd birthday celebrations with a major milestone—unveiling her newly acquired home. Sharing the joyous moment with her fans on Instagram, Isime expressed deep gratitude to God for the protection and provisions of the past year, which led her to this remarkable achievement.

Reflecting on her journey, the film star opened up about the struggles her family faced while striving to own a proper home. At the age of 13, Isime moved into her father’s uncompleted building, a space that lacked basic amenities such as floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and running water. This experience, she says, marked the beginning of her determination to help complete her father’s dream.

“I started saving at 17, hoping to contribute to completing my father’s house,” Isime revealed. “Now, I can proudly say that I’ve been able to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning a fully completed and furnished home.”

The actress went on to explain that she officially received the keys to her stunning new property on December 15, 2023, calling it an “unbelievable possibility” in her life. This milestone marks a significant achievement in her personal and professional journey, one that was made possible through hard work, faith, and divine grace.

In her heartfelt post, Isime dedicated this victory not just to herself, but to the young girls and boys who find inspiration in her story. She encouraged them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of success, no matter the challenges they face, and to trust that God’s blessings will always find a way.

“This win is not just for me but also for young girls/boys who find their story in mine. It’s only a matter of time, my darling. Nothing can come between you and the blessings God has in store for you. Nothing! Keep pushing! Keep walking in faith & obedience,” she wrote.

Isime’s career began in 2009 when she won the Miss Valentine International Beauty Pageant, and since then, she has established herself as a household name in Nollywood. From her acting debut in the TV series Echoes in 2011, to starring in hit films like The Set Up 2 and Shanty Town, Isime’s talent has earned her several accolades. In addition to her acting career, she also serves as a presenter, having replaced Toke Makinwa as the host of Trending on HipTV in 2016.

Despite her growing fame and success, Isime has remained focused on her personal goals. Last month, she revealed that marriage is not currently on her radar; instead, she is dedicated to building her career and achieving financial independence.

Isime’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, faith, and perseverance, dreams really do come true.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nancy.E.Isime (@nancyisimeofficial)

celebrity radar - gossips

CAF Awards 2024: Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lookman, Nnadozie, and Super Falcons

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

CAF Awards 2024: Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lookman, Nnadozie, and Super Falcons

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman on being named the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also applauded Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and commended the Super Falcons for clinching the Women’s National Team of the Year honor.

The awards, which celebrate excellence in African football, took place on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the winners as exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria, praising their talent and contributions to the nation’s pride on the global stage.

“As a proud Nigerian and football enthusiast, I celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie at the 2024 CAF Awards. Their victories as the Men’s African Footballer of the Year and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year are a source of immense pride,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recognition as the 2023 Women’s National Team of the Year, emphasizing their dominance as Africa’s best female football team.

“These awards reflect the dedication, skill, and hard work of our footballers. They have not only brought personal acclaim but also showcased the immense potential of Nigerian football to the world,” he added.

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by encouraging young Nigerian footballers to draw inspiration from the achievements of Lookman, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons, reaffirming his government’s commitment to supporting the sport.