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Ali Bello Loses In Trial- Within- Trial In Alleged ₦10bn Kogi Fraud

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Ali Bello

Ali Bello Loses In Trial- Within- Trial In Alleged ₦10bn Kogi Fraud

Ali Bello loses in trial- within- trial in alleged ₦10bn Kogi fraud as court affirms voluntariness of defendants’ statements.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, affirmed the voluntariness of the extra-judicial statements of Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, alongside Dauda Sulaiman, on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering to the tune of ₦10,270,556,800.00.

The trial-within-trial was conducted to ascertain the voluntariness or otherwise of the extra-judicial statements made by the defendants during investigation.

The defendants had objected to the prosecution’s move to tender the eight statements, claiming that they were put under duress and threatened before making them.

In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho held that it was evident that the defendants had their counsel present when the statements were taken, noting that the investigative team allowed the defendants’ counsel to be present and to endorse the statements as confessional and voluntary.

“It is clear that the defendants had their counsel present during the taking of both statements, and the investigative team allowed the counsel to the defendants to be present and even endorsed some of the statements that they were confessional and were obtained voluntarily in his presence. That is therefore in compliance with the provisions of Section 15(4) and 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015,” he said.

Ali Bello

Ali Bello

“Consequently, the statements of the defendants are admissible in evidence, as they were made voluntarily”, he added.

The judge subsequently admitted statements of the first defendant, earlier marked as Exhibits TWA–TWA5 during the trial-within-trial, as Exhibits R2–R5 in the main trial. Similarly, the statements of the second defendant, marked as Exhibits TWB and TWB1, were admitted as Exhibits S and SW1 in the main trial.

Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the matter till April 21 and 24, 2026, for the prosecution to close its case.

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Reps Race: Idemudo Promises Fresh Leadership, Rejects Entitlement Politics

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Reps Race: Idemudo Promises Fresh Leadership, Rejects Entitlement Politics

Reps Race

A leading aspirant for the Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Engr. Ubong Clement Idemudo, has officially declared his intention to contest, presenting himself as a viable alternative to the incumbent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday after submitting his nomination form, Idemudo said his ambition is driven by a desire to inject youthful energy, broader exposure, and pragmatic leadership into legislative representation for his constituency.
“My interest is hinged on the need for youth with exposure and the right charisma to support leadership in making policies and laws that will transform our people and lead to collective prosperity,” he said.
On the issue of contesting against an incumbent and the agitation by some lawmakers for automatic tickets within the party, Idemudo rejected the notion of entitlement, stressing that democracy must be anchored on performance and accountability.
“I believe in pragmatism—what is practically possible is the truth. The only way to address non-performance is to provide a better alternative, not to remain on the sidelines and complain,” he stated.
While acknowledging the contributions of the current lawmaker, Idemudo argued that the constituency requires more dynamic representation.
“The incumbent has tried, but not enough. I am confident I can deliver better results and offer renewed ideas for our people,” he added.
He also expressed confidence in the credibility of direct primaries, noting that his grassroots support and track record would work in his favour if the process is transparent.
“My people know me. From my days in the Student Union Government to my role in NUPENG as chairman, I have made positive impacts. If the process is free and fair, the people will choose me,” he said.
Idemudo’s declaration comes amid increasing debate within Akwa Ibom political circles over internal democracy, zoning arrangements, and calls by some incumbents to secure automatic tickets ahead of the next electoral cycle.

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Former Deputy Governor Of Kano Quits ADC, One Month After Joining Party

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ADC National Executive Council

Former Deputy Governor Of Kano Quits ADC, One Month After Joining Party

The ex-deputy governor joined the ADC on April 5, receiving his membership card at a well-attended event in Gwarzo, Kano.

Aminu Gwarzo, former deputy governor of Kano, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), exactly a month after joining the party from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Eereporter.com
His move came six days after Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of the state, joined the party on March 30 from the NNPP, the platform on which he contested the 2023 presidential election.

However, on Sunday, Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, quit the ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing “wide-ranging consultations” and uncertainties over the party’s future.

Shortly after, Kwankwaso appealed to his supporters to join the NDC and back his “renewed fight for true democracy” in Nigeria.

In a letter dated May 1, personally signed by him and addressed to the chairman of the ADC ward in Gwarzo LGA, the former deputy governor, widely seen as Kwankwaso’s political ally in the state, announced his resignation from the party.

He said the “decision comes after deep reflection and wide consultations” with his political associates, supporters, and well-wishers across the state.

However, he did not specify his next political destination.

“Recent political developments and the evolving political landscape have made it necessary for me to review my membership in the interest of the people and the future of our state and the nation,” he said.

“My decision is informed by patriotic consideration and the need to pursue a political path that aligns with my vision for good governance, democratic values, and sustainable development of our dear state.”

ADC National Executive Council

ADC

Gwarzo thanked the ADC leadership and members in the state for their cooperation, respect, and support during his time in the party.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity accorded me under the platform of the party. Please accept my highest regards and best wishes,” he added.

African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Aminu Gwarzo
Ex-Kano deputy governor

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Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of Two Vehicles Recovered From Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Lagos

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Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of Two Vehicles Recovered From Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Lagos

Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, May 4, 2026, ordered the interim forfeiture of two vehicles linked to suspected internet fraudsters, Christopher Chikudozie Ubammadu and James Femi Joshua.

The vehicles are two grey-coloured Lexus ES 350 cars with registration numbers SMK-774JN and EKY-753JZ.

The judge gave the order, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa.

Eereporter.com
Moving the application for interim forfeiture, Kofarnaisa told the court that it was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Nwike Fortune, an investigating officer with the EFCC.

In the affidavit, Nwike stated that the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Commission received intelligence regarding the activities of suspected internet fraudsters operating in the Apapa area of Lagos State.

He also stated that operatives of the Commission, on January 29, 2026, carried out a sting operation during which several suspects were apprehended and the vehicles were recovered from their residences.

Fortune further stated that since the vehicles were impounded and brought to the Commission’s office, no individual had come forward to claim ownership.

Further investigations, he said, revealed that both vehicles are owned by Ubammadu and Joshua. He added that the suspects allegedly used proceeds of fraudulent activities to acquire the vehicles.

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Court

Kofarnaisa, therefore, submitted that the vehicles were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. Justice Owoeye granted the application after considering the evidence presented.

The judge also directed the Commission to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper and ordered any interested party to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the vehicles should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria

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