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Yahaya Bello: End of an unnecessary drama, caging the “White Lion” BY TUNDE NASIRU

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Yahaya Bello: End of an unnecessary drama, caging the “White Lion” BY TUNDE NASIRU

Yahaya Bello: End of an unnecessary drama, caging the “White Lion”

BY TUNDE NASIRU

And it came to pass that on the day of Our Lord, Tuesday, November 26, 2024 the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Belo, earlier declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was arrested and detained by the Commission at its headquarters in Abuja.

The EFCC and Bello have engaged in a cat and mouse game in which the former Governor could be rightly described as the “drama king”. Several count sittings were shunned by Bello and all efforts to bring him to answer questions about the allegations of fraudulent activities during his eight years spell as the Governor of Kogi State proved abortive. He was constantly under the protection of his successor and cousin, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State.

On September 18, 2024, the dramatic Bello arrived the headquarters of the EFCC alongside Usman Ododo for what could be described as photo-ops. Ododo came in with the full complements of his security aides and convoy. The EFCC, sensing that Ododo was using his constitutional immunity to cover Bello, helplessly refrained from arresting him. On that day, Bello was like groundnuts in a glass bottle and EFCC watched without being able to pick him.

Before and after the September 18 “executive visitation” by Bello, the EFCC has gone to courts to express its inability to bring or drag Bello to court and this has led to two separate courts issuing summons for his arrest; the basis on which he was declared wanted.

It was indeed a serious battle between the EFCC and Bello in the court of law, court of public opinion and on the streets. Understandably, Yahaya had a huge war chest to prosecute the ‘war’. The media was repleted with emergency commentators, analysts and opinion writers, opinionated features and slanted editorials; while so-called activists took to the streets of Abuja and Lagos to protest in condemnation of EFCC and in support of Yahaya Bello. In fact, there was a time that it was reported in the media that “five thousand lawyers protested”in support of Bello. No one knew who did the enumeration. Though some senior lawyers said those protesters were not lawyers!

Not done yet, the Kogi State government instituted a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC and other agencies saddled with investigating corruption cases.

Not a few believed that the EFCC was actually the target of the suit initiated by Kogi State and later joined by about 17 other state governments; and that it was in the interest of Yahaya Bello.
While many states later hurriedly withdrew from the controversial case at the Supreme Court, Bello’s Kogi and others stuck to their guns until the Supreme Court finally threw out the case ignominiously as lacking in merit .

What has left people bewildered was why Yahaya Bello will have to go through this unnecessary route, which is nothing more than time buying. Or did he need the delay tactics to be able to perfect some, if not all, of his records of defence?

While Yahaya Bello was evading the court and boxing the air on who and who was responsible for his ordeal with the EFCC, other former governors like Yahaya and former Ministers of the Federal Republic were invited or arrested by the EFCC. The concerned politically exposed persons honoured the EFCC and were interrogated and granted administrative bails. Some of them are currently facing trials at the law courts.

However, it was noticeable that after the Supreme Court judgement, which did not favour Yahaya Bello and his ilks, the attacks on the EFCC in the media reduced drastically. However, people still asked: “Where was Yahaya Bello?” “How many Heads had Yahaya Bello?” “Why will a man who prided himself as “white lion” be so scared stiff on an ordinary invitation by an Eagle?” “For how long will the “white lion” be able to hide?” One of the judges handling one of the cases against Yahaya Bello by the EFCC was once reported to have said: “EFCC’s invitation was not death sentence”. After all, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Another drama like part two of the Nigerian home video, was going to be staged earlier today at the same EFCC Car Park at the headquarters of the Commission when Yahaya Bello drove in with some vehicles. However, the drama did not pass the opening scene when it was instantly cut short as the Chief Security Officer of the EFFC, perhaps sensing that Governor Usman Ododo who has been shielding Bello with his immunity was, this time around, not in the entourage, quickly arrested the wanted former Governor and took him into custody.

Now that the “White Lion” has been caught and caged, his counsel along with the 5,000 lawyers that reportedly protested in his support in Abuja should dust their books and meet Bello as he finally and inevitably keeps his date at the court.

Tunde Nasiru, an Abuja based social policy advocate, sent this piece via t.nasiru@yahoo.co.uk

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a court order to remand controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was dramatically arrested last Friday outside a bank in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, Department of State Services (DSS) officers, and the Nigeria Police Force. Eyewitnesses say the activist was apprehended moments after leaving the bank, sparking immediate online outrage.

The arrest has ignited a social media firestorm, with the hashtag #FreeVDM dominating trends across platforms throughout the weekend. Many critics argue that the arrest is yet another attempt by authorities to intimidate dissenting voices online.

“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official told reporters, noting that charges would be filed under the Cybercrimes Act once investigations are complete.

Sources familiar with the case say the EFCC is building a case focused on alleged violations involving online financial misconduct, which fall under the commission’s purview.

As of Monday morning, VDM remains in EFCC custody, with his legal team led by rights activist Deji Adeyanju confirming efforts to gain access to him and prepare a legal response.

“We are seeking to visit our client and are reviewing the legal implications of his arrest,” Adeyanju said in a statement.

Despite the mounting public interest and widespread speculation, the EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the arrest or outlining the specific charges VDM may face.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan adds to growing concerns over press freedom and digital expression in Nigeria, where several social media commentators have recently faced legal action for controversial posts.

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

David Abioye Launches New Church, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Amid Jubilant Crowd

Former Vice President and retired pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Abioye, has officially inaugurated his new ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, marking a new chapter in his over four-decade-long spiritual journey.

The launch took place today, Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the ministry’s first Sunday service, which saw a massive turnout of enthusiastic worshippers. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as congregants gathered to witness what Abioye described as the “manifestation of God’s eternal purpose.”

In a passionate address during the inaugural service, Abioye emphasized that the establishment of the new church was not the result of public opinion or personal ambition, but a divine assignment birthed from deep spiritual conviction.

“May I make it very clear that the inauguration of this assembly is not in response to demands of people to start a church,” Abioye declared. “But by the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the word, which is just coming to light at His own time.”

The renowned cleric explained that the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly is founded on divine direction and is dedicated to the spiritual development, edification, and victory of believers worldwide.

Clarifying his role in the new ministry, Abioye stated that he does not view himself as someone attempting to fulfill the entire Great Commission alone, but rather as a messenger raised for a specific divine assignment within God’s broader agenda.

“In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual development, edification, and triumph of the saints globally… this assembly is hereby inaugurated,” he declared, drawing a resounding “Amen” from the congregation.

The launch follows Abioye’s retirement from Living Faith Church in October 2024, alongside Pastor Thomas Aremu, after the church implemented a policy setting a mandatory retirement age for senior leaders. Abioye bowed out of active service at the age of 63, concluding a distinguished ministry career under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo.

As the curtain lifts on this new ministry, many see it not as a departure from Abioye’s legacy, but as a continuation of his divine calling—this time under a new banner with a global vision.

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

A spiritual wave is set to sweep across Dallas this October as the Outpouring Healing & Miracle Conference 2025 returns with greater power, purpose, and partnership. Hosted by Freedom for All Nations Outreach (FANO) of South Africa in collaboration with Power Haven Church (PHC) of Dallas, Texas, the two-day event is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM (CST) — with the venue to be announced soon.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers
Led by international minister Dr. Samuel Akinbodunse from South Africa , the conference promises an electrifying atmosphere of worship, healing, prophecy, and divine encounters. With an expected turnout of thousands, the organizers are making a call for volunteers to help support this mega-faith gathering.
The volunteer drive is open for various departments including:
Ushering
Protocol
Car Guard
Security
Music Ministry
Sound Engineering
Publicity
Logistics
Registration & Administration
Service Managers
Coordinators
Health Team
Welfare/Children Care
Transportation
Hospitality
Those willing to serve are encouraged to scan the QR code on the official event flyer to register and join the workforce powering this divine mission.
“This is more than just a conference — it’s a divine appointment,” said Dr. Akinbodunse. “We’re preparing a space where heaven meets earth, and every helping hand makes a difference.”
With a theme centered on healing and miracles, Outpouring 2025 is not only a spiritual highlight on the calendar, but also a unifying force drawing believers from across nations.
Stay tuned for the venue announcement and get ready to witness a powerful move of God in Dallas this October.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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