Author: Akintayo Adams

The 16-count criminal charges against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two others have been presented before Justice Maryann Anenih. All defendants denied the allegations, including the fraudulent conversion of N110 billion for personal use. Bello, the primary defendant, strongly refuted the charges as they were read by the Court Registrar. At the time of this report, the proceedings for bail were about to begin. Previously, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, while this marks the former governor’s first court appearance. Get instant and latest news updates via our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter, or Google News online…

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been arraigned at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. The arraignment follows his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of embezzling N110 billion during his tenure. The court premises were heavily secured by armed EFCC operatives. Bello, dressed in white Babanriga, entered the courtroom amidst cheers from his supporters. Justice Maryann Anenih is expected to preside over the arraignment. This development marks a significant step in the EFCC’s pursuit of the former governor, who had previously evaded arrest. Get instant and latest news updates via…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with his wife, has departed Nigeria for a state visit to France. This visit is in response to an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. The couple will be received at the historic French military museum, Les Invalides, and the Palais de l’Élysée by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte. The three-day visit aims to strengthen political, economic, and cultural relations between Nigeria and France. The focus will be on creating more opportunities for partnership in areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition. Both leaders will engage…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed a US plan for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, marking a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a televised speech on Tuesday, Netanyahu announced that he had recommended the deal to the Israeli security cabinet, with a vote expected soon. The exact timing of the ceasefire and its specific terms were not disclosed. This development follows over a year of intense conflict, including near-daily rocket fire, airstrikes, and ground skirmishes between Israeli forces and the militant group across Lebanon, resulting in thousands of casualties. “Tonight I will bring…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has requested the Senate to screen and confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This request was conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during the plenary session on Tuesday. Tinubu stated that his request aligns with the provisions of Section 218 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act. In the letter, the President highlighted Lieutenant General Oluyede’s experience and diligence, describing him as an officer who has demonstrated exceptional…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced that the Port Harcourt Refinery began distributing petroleum products via trucks just hours after the plant officially resumed crude oil production. This announcement was made during a commissioning and product rollout event on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. In a statement, the company revealed that trucks have started loading various petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and kerosene, with more products scheduled for dispatch soon. Speaking at the ceremony to mark the commencement of product loading, NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari highlighted this development as a monumental achievement for Nigeria, marking a…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to promptly reactivate the Warri and Kaduna refineries. This directive follows the successful reactivation of the main Port Harcourt Refinery. Tinubu emphasized that these efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity and make Nigeria a major energy hub. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all the nation’s refineries. Tinubu praised the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, for his unwavering dedication and commitment in achieving this milestone. The President highlighted the values…

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee has increased the country’s interest rate by 25 basis points, moving it from 27.25 percent in September 2024 to 27.50 percent in November 2024. CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, made this announcement during a press conference on Tuesday following the 298th MPC meeting held in Abuja. He stated, “The Committee was unanimous in its decision to raise the monetary policy rate by 25 basis points to 27.50 percent.” Cardoso explained that the decision to raise the interest rate was driven by the need to address inflation, which was recorded at 33.87 percent…

The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He honored the EFCC’s invitation on November 26, 2024, over allegations of misappropriation of funds belonging to the Kogi State Government1. Bello arrived at the EFCC office with his lawyers and drove himself in a black Hilux. Get instant and latest news updates via our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter, or Google News online channel

A South Korean man was sentenced to a suspended prison term for deliberately gaining weight to avoid military service. The man gained over 20 kilograms (44 pounds) by doubling his daily food intake and consuming large amounts of water before his physical exams. This weight gain allowed him to be classified as unfit for active duty and instead serve in a non-combat role. The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act. His friend, who helped him with the weight gain plan, received a suspended six-month prison…