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Yahaya Bello: EFCC seeks adjournment to Nov 14

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

Yahaya Bello: EFCC seeks adjournment to Nov 14

.Case adjourned to Nov 14, 20 for response to summons or arraignment

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Thursday, sought for adjournment of hearing in its fresh charge against the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and two others, to November 14, 2024.

Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who appeared for the EFCC at the FCT High Court, said at the hearing that at the last adjourned date, the court issued a Public Summons against the 1st defendant directing that same be published and that the charge be pasted.

Justice Maryann E. Anenih, however, interjected, stating that she did not ask that the charge be pasted, only the summons.

Oyedepo said he expected the 1st defendant to be in court on November 14, making reference to the 30-day duration of the summons, and therefore sought for adjournment till November 14 for arraignment of the three defendants.

JB Daudu, SAN, who appeared for the 2nd defendant, objected to this.

He said the matter was for arraignment, and that they were ready, noting that the defendants were all independent and should be so treated.

“You cannot be using somebody as a human shield when they are not in hostage. I don’t like this practice,” he said.

A.M. Aliyu, SAN, who represented the 3rd defendant, aligned with Daudu, SAN, and submitted that, in the alternative, he would be asking the court to take his client’s application for bail.

Oyedepo, however, said that the application for bail could not be taken as the charge was a joint charge.

According to him, there are counts of conspiracy in it.

Insisting that the court should adjourn to November 14, the EFCC lawyer notified the court that there was an application for the enforcement of fundamental rights of the 2nd defendant and that the oral application cannot be taken.

The 2nd defendant’s counsel, Daudu, however, insisted that this negated the principles of fair hearing.

“His argument is persuasive but does not go by what the law says. That until one individual appears before they can be arraigned. I don’t understand this kind of practice.

“It is an affront to fair hearing because the privilege of fair hearing allows us to raise any issue. Keeping them for 10 years will have no impact.

“They have enjoyed administrative bail before with the EFCC, so it won’t hurt their pride if they give them,” he stated.

The 2nd defendant’s counsel also asked for a date for fundamental rights application for his client.

Though the judge refused the oral application for bail, she said the defendants should come formally by filling applications in writing.

She therefore adjourned to 14th and 20th November for response of the 1st defendant to summons and/or arraignment.

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Alake, others Lauds Fatgbems Foundation Food Support Initiative

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Alake, others Lauds Fatgbems Foundation Food Support Initiative

Alake, others Lauds Fatgbems Foundation Food Support Initiative

 

The Paramount Ruler of Egba-Land, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, has lauded Fatgbems Foundation, a non-profit and corporate social responsibility of Arm of Fatgbems Group, for the Food Support initiative distributed to five thousand people in Abeokuta, Lagos and Oyo States.

 

Speaking through the Amona of Egba-Land, High Chief Tajudeen Oladehinde, disclosed that the initiative is well commendable, especially at this time when majority of the household struggles to feed for three square meals. It has also given huge support to the government and the traditional system’s efforts in ensuring the economic downturn is drastically minimized.
Chief Tajudeen further noted that the composition of the food bags and the items is a huge investment that the foundation has committed, which has also created a lasting impression on the minds of the beneficiaries and will never be forgotten for a long time.
‘We express our profound gratitude to the board and management of Fatgbems Group for displaying a responsible corporate attitude for the laudable initiative and others will have witnessed’.

 

In his own statement, Board Chairman Fatgbems Foundation, Adebayo Gbemisola, disclosed that, the foundation was set-up mainly for humanitarian activities and has been in the fore front of promoting the tripod idea which is include education, health and entrepreneurial development for over ten years.

 

He added that, the food palliative idea is an appendage to what the foundation stands for and such the campaign is in line with supporting government and other institutions in ensuring Nigerians do not feel the impact of the economic issues.

 

Mr. Gbemisola added that we also reached communities withing our operational areas not only in Abeokuta, but Lagos and Oyo States also benefited. And we will continue to improve our efforts not just to give back but create a lasting impact within and outside of our catchments.

 

In her comments, The Iya-Loja of Egba-Land, Chief Mrs. Oluwakemi Oloyede, commended the initiative and thanked the foundation on behalf of the entire market community in Abeokuta and entire Egba-land for the food palliative that was spread across markets.
The food bags were distributed to various places including, mosques, churches, palaces, various communities and public were also distributed to at the Ake Place and Owu Baptish Church Play field.

 

Fatgbems Group is a Nigerian indeginous conglomerate with interest in Petroleum Marketing, Automobile Tyre Trade & Marketing, Agro-Allied, and Real Estate.

 

Alake, others Lauds Fatgbems Foundation Food Support Initiative

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Dr Nicky Okoye drives the adoption of Digital Asset MARKETS for Nigeria’s Digital economic revolution

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Dr Nicky Okoye drives the adoption of Digital Asset MARKETS for Nigeria’s Digital economic revolution.

 

Nigeria’s financial and capital markets took a significant leap into the future of digital finance at a landmark strategy session and masterclass hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Lagos, in partnership with the Global Investment Advisory (GIA) community.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Dr. Nicky Okoye, founder and Chairman of GIA and a renowned global investment advisor, who provided a comprehensive outlook on Nigeria’s emerging digital asset markets. The session drew an overflowing audience of key stakeholders, including financial institutions, capital market professionals, technology experts, and investors.

Dr. Okoye underscored the transformative potential of the new Investment and Securities Act 2025 (ISA 2025), recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The act provides a regulatory framework for digital assets, authorizes the use of cryptocurrencies, and establishes a legal foundation for token issuance in Nigeria.

“The digital asset markets in Nigeria, and our ability to position for their full adoption across Africa, will redefine the continent’s economic future,” Dr. Okoye stated. “These markets will reflect a true measure of Nigeria’s wealth, and will be built on blockchain infrastructure tied to physical assets—making them less volatile and truly revolutionary.”

The event also featured strategic contributions from several high-profile figures:

Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, provided insights into China’s global investment efforts and opportunities for Nigeria to tap into Chinese institutional capital through digital assets.

Bola Ajomale, representing SEC’s Director General Dr. Timi Agama, assured attendees that SEC had laid the groundwork for a transparent, investor-friendly digital asset ecosystem.

Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Capital Markets, pledged continued legislative collaboration to deepen Nigeria’s digital and capital markets.

Mr. Yomi Oluyomi, Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to lead the charge in adopting digital asset frameworks, noting the state’s history of innovation in structured government-backed bonds.

Notable members of the Global Investment Advisory community present included MERISTEM Group, CardinalStone, Constant Capital, Anabel Capital, and VFD Group.

To cap off the event, the Global Investment Advisory community announced plans for an international digital asset markets roadshow, where select members will explore best practices from global cryptocurrency exchanges. In partnership with the African Enterprise Institute, GIA also launched executive education programs in Digital Asset Markets Strategy. These programs aim to equip financial executives with tools, roadmaps, and strategies for profitably navigating the digital asset space.

The executive certifications will also offer pathways for the establishment of Digital Asset Professional Services, corporate digital asset desks, and tokenization models for wealth creation—targeted at institutional investors, asset managers, and subnational entities.

The session marks a bold step toward aligning Nigeria with global trends in digital finance, with stakeholders expressing optimism about the country’s potential to become a continental hub for digital asset innovation.

Dr Nicky Okoye drives the adoption of Digital Asset MARKETS for Nigeria's Digital economic revolution.

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Aare George Bamidele Olufemi Ogunjimi to Receive Prestigious “Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye”

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Aare George Bamidele Olufemi Ogunjimi to Receive Prestigious “Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye”

In a landmark recognition of his extraordinary leadership, unrelenting commitment to Yoruba cultural renaissance, and contributions to socio-economic development, Aare George Ogunjimi has been nominated to receive the highly prestigious Omoluabi Royal Icon (ORI) Award and will be conferred with the revered title of “Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye” at the 26th Anniversary of the Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) and the 7th Annual Omoluabi Festival.

The grand cultural celebration, tagged “ISOKAN OMOLUABI 2025”, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Main Auditorium, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, by 11:00AM prompt. Themed “Review of the 1999 Constitution: A Focus on Regionalism,” the festival promises to be a melting pot of ideas, heritage, and celebration of Yoruba identity.

The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), also known as Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye, serves as the apex body representing all Yoruba indigenous people across the globe. The council honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the Yoruba nation and beyond, celebrating their dedication to upholding the values of Omoluabi—integrity, honor, courage, and communal service.

In a formal letter of nomination extended to Aare Ogunjimi, YCW lauded his unwavering efforts in nation-building, cultural promotion, and fostering unity across Yorubaland and the Nigerian federation at large. The conferral of Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye—translated as “Global Yoruba Pathfinder and Cultural Reformer”—underscores his remarkable legacy as a transformative leader and an advocate for the advancement of Yoruba heritage on the global stage.

This year’s celebration will witness the presence of the crème de la crème of Yoruba royalty and cultural custodians. His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, and Iku Baba Yeye, Alayeluwa Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Alaafin of Oyo, will jointly lead the royal convergence of Yoruba traditional rulers and stakeholders in what is described as the “Biggest Festival in Yorubaland.”

The festival will feature a rich showcase of cultural heritage including:

The Omoluabi Royal Icon (ORI) Awards

Festival of Arts and Dance Drama

Ewa Omidan and Ogbeni Omoluabi Beauty Pageant & Fashion Show

Stakeholder forums on governance, heritage, and development

The ORI Awards spotlight individuals who are not only successful in their careers but who embody the Yoruba values of humility, dignity, and service to humanity.

The organizers have called for partnership and sponsorship support to further enrich the grandeur of this epochal event, as it represents a convergence of tradition, unity, and innovation, heralding a new cultural renaissance.

As preparations intensify, the Yoruba Council Worldwide and its partners invite the general public, cultural enthusiasts, and stakeholders across Nigeria and the diaspora to join in honoring Aare George Ogunjimi and celebrating Yoruba excellence.

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