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Who advises Yahaya Bello?* *By Kehinde Osifisan

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Who advises Yahaya Bello?* *By Kehinde Osifisan

*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.

Who advises Yahaya Bello?*
*By Kehinde Osifisan

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)*

celebrity radar - gossips

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

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Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

 

The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into confusion and panic on Tuesday following viral reports alleging that popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, had died at the age of 40.

 

 

The shocking claim, which spread rapidly across social media platforms and blogs, alleged that the actor died in Lagos after battling undisclosed health complications, sparking an outpouring of grief from stunned fans and colleagues.

 

 

As the rumours gained momentum online, several actors, movie producers and entertainment enthusiasts flooded Instagram and X with emotional reactions, describing the development as “heartbreaking,” “unbelievable” and “a dark day for Nollywood.”

 

 

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was among those who reacted emotionally, reportedly lamenting that the industry had lost “a rare soul” whose charisma and talent helped shape modern Nollywood.

 

 

Alexx Ekubo, widely admired for his stylish persona, romanti movie roles and strong social media influence, rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actors.

 

 

The development also reignited conversations surrounding the actor’s prolonged absence from social media in recent months, which had earlier triggered concern among fans over his wellbeing.
Despite the widespread reports, confusion continued to trail the story as no official statement had been issued by the actor’s family, management or close associates confirming the alleged death as of press time.

 

 

The uncertainty surrounding the reports further fueled tension online, with many Nigerians demanding clarity while others urged the public against spreading unverified information.

 

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celebrity radar - gossips

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

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JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

 

Popular Nigerian actress, singer and dancer, Seyi Ariyo, popularly known as Shebaby, has stirred reactions on social media following speculations that she is expecting a child years after getting married.

 

The development has generated excitement among fans and colleagues, especially on Instagram where many have continued to flood her page with congratulatory messages and prayers.

 

While some admirers celebrated the actress and prayed that her joy would be permanent, others pointed to a viral video currently making rounds online, where several entertainers, among them Oyita, a close friend, Tawa Ajisefinni, Seyi Ẹdun, Bukky Fagbuyi, and a host of others including Olú Maintain, were seen rejoicing and congratulating her.

 

Although Shebaby is already a mother with a grown daughter, the latest development has continued to attract attention within the entertainment industry and among her followers.

 

Before now, the London-based entertainer had built a strong reputation for herself in both music and acting. She has released several songs and also worked alongside notable Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other respected entertainers in the industry.

 

In the movie sector, Shebaby is also regarded as a household name. Sources close to the actress revealed that she is currently working on a new project titled Father Forgive Me.

 

Fans and colleagues have continued to pray for the actress, wishing her safe delivery and more happiness in her home.

 

#Shebaby #SeyiAriyo #EntertainmentNews #Nollywood #Pasuma #Olumaintain #CelebrityNews

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

 

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

 

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.

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