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  • World Cancer Day: First Lady calls for people-centred care, early detection

    World Cancer Day: First Lady calls for people-centred care, early detection

    … says stronger response must be rooted in prevention, access to quality treatment

    …urges Nigerians to unite voices and actions for cancer-free future

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for a stronger and more compassionate response to cancer, urging Nigerians to place people at the centre of care by listening to individual stories and recognising that every cancer journey is different.

    In a message to mark World Cancer Day 2026, observed on February 4 with the theme “UnitedByUnique,” the First Lady said building an effective national response to cancer requires empathy, prevention, and sustained support systems for patients and families.

    “By listening to individual stories and placing people at the centre of care, we can build a stronger, more compassionate response to cancer,” she said.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    According to her, such a response must be “rooted in prevention, early detection, access to quality treatment, and sustained support,” stressing that these pillars remain essential to reducing cancer-related deaths and improving outcomes across the country.

    Senator Tinubu also emphasised the need for collective action, saying progress will depend on a shared commitment by government, health professionals, civil society, families and communities.

    “Together, by uniting our voices and actions, we can move closer to a cancer-free future for all,” she said.

    She noted that the World Cancer Day theme serves as a reminder that while cancer affects individuals in unique ways, the hope for healing and survival is common to all.

    “Every cancer journey is different, yet our hope is shared,” the First Lady said.

    World Cancer Day is observed globally every February 4 to raise awareness about cancer, promote prevention, encourage early detection, and support efforts to improve treatment and care for patients.

  • West Africa’s security hinges on strategic partnerships – COAS 

    West Africa’s security hinges on strategic partnerships – COAS 

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said Nigeria’s defence partnership with France remains critical to the country’s broader efforts to counter security threats in the West African region.

    General Shaibu said this on Wednesday when he engaged the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

    In a statement by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the high-level engagement focused on strengthening operational cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the French Armed Forces in response to evolving regional and global security challenges.

    The COAS commended France for its continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, professional military training and support for operational readiness. 

    He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous professional development across all corps and emphasized the importance of sustaining mutually beneficial bilateral defence cooperation with Nigeria allies. 

    The Army Chief expressed optimism that a long-term partnership with France with focus on capacity building, advanced training and enhanced operational effectiveness is in line with contemporary security realities.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    The French Defence Attaché praised the resilience and dedication of the Nigerian Army in dealing with emerging security challenges. 

    Colonel Useo particularly commended the Army’s successful recovery operations in the Republic of Benin and advocated expanded access to strategic professional military courses especially in the area of Public Relations and Aviation. 

    He described the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information as one of the best institutions in Africa, established to train army personnel in civil-military affairs and enhance information and communication management.

    Colonel Useo reiterated France’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with Nigeria, emphasizing shared responsibility in promoting regional stability, countering emerging threats and building sustainable military capacity. 

    He described the partnership as mutually reinforcing, enhancing the defence capabilities and professional standards of both nations. 

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu in a handshake with the French Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Stéphane Useo, during their engagement at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday. 

  • Zulum cuts short leave to receive foreign envoys, UN delegation in Maiduguri

    Zulum cuts short leave to receive foreign envoys, UN delegation in Maiduguri

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday suspended his annual leave to receive ambassadors from India, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia and Qatar in Maiduguri.

    The diplomatic delegation was accompanied by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, as well as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro.

    The visit provided development partners with an opportunity to evaluate the humanitarian conditions in Borno State, which has faced insurgency-related challenges for more than a decade.

    During the visit, the delegation inspected selected projects executed by the Zulum administration in the areas of education, healthcare and human capital development. The projects were showcased by the Acting Governor of the state, Umar Usman Kadafur.

    Read Also: Zulum okays direct payment of local govt allocations

    Speaking after the tour, Fall praised Zulum’s infrastructure drive, noting that the state was recording meaningful progress despite persistent security concerns.

    “Beyond the headlines around security issues, there are transformative developments taking place in Borno State,” he said.

    Fall highlighted education programmes, girl-child education initiatives, vocational training centres and facilities for the treatment of malnutrition as critical measures designed to tackle the root causes of the crisis.

    He noted that sustained investment in education reflected the state government’s recognition that lasting stability depends on addressing factors fuelling conflict, particularly limited access to quality education.

    Similarly, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro, expressed satisfaction with the pace of development in the state despite years of insurgency.

    “I am happy with what I have seen. Considering the crises the state has faced for over 10 years, the level of development is commendable,” Doro said.

    He praised the governor’s leadership, adding that the vocational training centres and comprehensive schools visited were equipped to empower beneficiaries and support poverty reduction efforts.

  • Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    …VP launches Vision 2050 blueprint for region, says Ndigbo are central to Nigeria’s future

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday unveiled a 25-year development blueprint for the South East, declaring the region a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.

    This is just as Shettima announced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the South East Investment Company Limited to accelerate the transformation of the region.

    He disclosed this while launching the Southeast Vision 2050 at the Regional Stakeholders’ Forum held in Enugu, describing the initiative as a deliberate shift from short-term governance to structured, long-term regional planning.

    According to him, the newly approved South East Investment Company Limited will mobilise funds from the diaspora, capital markets and development finance institutions, working in synergy with the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to close post-war infrastructure gaps and strengthen regional competitiveness.

    “This forum reflects foresight, responsibility and a shared understanding that the future is not something we wait for, but something we must deliberately design,” the Vice President said.

    He explained that the approval of the investment company was informed by the Southeast’s distinctive entrepreneurial culture, expansive global diaspora and historic engagement with international capital.

    “In recognition of the distinctive character of the Southeast, its entrepreneurial spirit and its global reach, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited,” Shettima stated.

    The Vice President stressed that the SEDC was established to drive structural transformation rather than routine bureaucracy, insisting that Nigeria thrives best when its regions are empowered to prosper.

    “Let me be clear: this is not another layer of bureaucracy. It is a delivery institution focused on tangible outcomes—jobs, productivity and growth,” he said, noting that the region’s historical challenges make intentional planning both urgent and necessary.

    Shettima commended the inclusive composition of the forum, which brought together federal and state governments, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, civil society, youth groups and development partners.

    He also acknowledged the participation of Umu Igbo Unite, a United States-based network of over 10,000 young professionals, emphasising the role of the diaspora in shaping the region’s future.

    “The future of the Southeast will be built both at home and abroad—together,” he said.

    Addressing young people, the Vice President stressed that development must translate into visible improvements in daily life.

    “You are not spectators in our national journey. You are central to it. Development must not remain an abstract promise; it must be felt in the lives of our people,” he added.

    Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, alongside his counterparts, endorsed the Vision 2050 framework, describing it as an opportunity for the Southeast to align with the national development agenda, Vision 2060.

    Mbah applauded the growing unity among leaders and stakeholders in the region and proposed the creation of a Southeast common market, describing the moment as the reawakening of an economic giant.

    He urged a paradigm shift in development planning and project execution, while calling on the people of the region to complement the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to security and inclusive growth.

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, pledged his administration’s support for the implementation of the Vision 2050 plan, saying it would help close unemployment and poverty gaps while unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.

    Similarly, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed satisfaction over the unanimous adoption of the vision, describing the forum as a turning point in the economic revolution of the Southeast.

    Governor Otti said with transparent leadership and effective execution, the region’s industrialisation and economic transformation were both realistic and achievable.

    Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, thanked President Tinubu for creating the SEDC, describing it as a long-awaited intervention for the region.

    Read Also: Shettima commissions Tudun Biri resettlement scheme

    He noted that the Vision 2050 conversation was historic, marking the first time leaders across the Southeast had jointly adopted a common framework to guide regional development.

    In a keynote address, the UNDP Resident Representative, Mrs Elsie Attafuah, highlighted global lessons in long-term regional planning, stressing the importance of strong institutions and sustainable execution.

    She emphasised that infrastructure development must support domestic production if genuine industrialisation is to be achieved.

    Minister of Regional Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh, described the forum as a milestone in fostering a united and prosperous Southeast, noting that the creation of the SEDC reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to coordinated regional development.

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, pledged her ministry’s support for the Vision 2050 programme and announced a nationwide trade facilitation tour aimed at boosting export potential, describing the Southeast as Nigeria’s industrial springboard.

    In a goodwill message, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, commended the Federal Government for prioritising regional integration and pledged the support of Ndigbo for the Vision 2050 and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Speaking on behalf of corporate Nigeria, UBA Group Managing Director, Mr Oliver Alawuba, identified peace as the most critical incentive for investment, noting that funding naturally follows stability.

    He called for sustained infrastructure development—particularly in power and rail—saying the SEDC could play a catalytic role, adding that corporate Nigeria is ready to fund bankable projects through public-private partnerships.

    Chairman of the SEDC, Sir Emeka Wogu, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the Southeast, describing Vision 2050 as a unique framework designed to ensure continuity and synergy among the states.

    Managing Director of the SEDC, Mr Mark Okoye, said the commission would partner with state governments, the diaspora and the organised private sector to implement the vision, focusing on infrastructure, power, peace-building and regional connectivity.

    The forum also featured goodwill messages from corporate organisations, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, faith-based bodies, youth groups, diaspora representatives and development partners.

    The Vice President, accompanied by Southeast governors and other dignitaries, later toured an exhibition gallery mounted by the National Council for Arts and Culture.

  • Be vigilant, prepare for seamless 2027 elections, INEC chairman tells Nigerians

    Be vigilant, prepare for seamless 2027 elections, INEC chairman tells Nigerians

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan said on Wednesday that Nigerians should be vigilant and prepare for seamless 2027 general elections.

    Speaking at the first quarterly meeting with media executive, the INEC Chairman warn against misinformation and misinformation in the country down to the general elections.

    He said, “As we navigate this period of intense electoral activity (from the FCT Area Council polls on February 21, 2026 to the upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun), the Commission remains committed to openness and accountability. 

    “However, let me remind you that the strongest electoral systems can be undermined by misinformation, misinterpretation, deliberate distortion and Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference (FIMI).  We, therefore, urge you to promote accurate reporting at all time. 

    “Our official website and all digital channels are veritable and authoritative points of contact for the media. Officials of the Commission authorised to speak with the media will continue to do their job. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: INEC uncovers deceased persons’ names on voters’ register, plans nationwide verification

    “Let me end by reiterating that elections are no longer just contested only at the polling units, they are contested in the information space. As such, I urge the media to rise up against mis/disinformation so as to protect the sanctity of our electoral process.”

    Prof. Amupitan asked Nigerians to be vigilant and prepare for a seamless elections saying “as we look towards the 2027 General Elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. 

    “We must prepare for a seamless electoral process that embodies the ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity. This is a collective responsibility, and each one of you plays a vital role in fostering democracy in Nigeria.”

  • Nigeria, IFC seal deal to fast-track private investment in infrastructure

    Nigeria, IFC seal deal to fast-track private investment in infrastructure

    The Federal Government has taken steps to close Nigeria’s wide infrastructure gap by signing a cooperation agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

    The deal is aimed at attracting private investment and speeding up the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the country.

    The agreement, signed in Abuja on Tuesday through the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is designed to help Nigeria prepare projects in a way that makes them attractive and clear for private investors, especially in key sectors such as transport, energy, water, healthcare, and digital services.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said the government recognises that public funds alone cannot meet the country’s huge infrastructure needs. He explained that the focus now is on developing projects that are properly planned and ready for investment, so private capital can come in with confidence.

    “Our needs in rail, energy, water security, healthcare, and digital infrastructure are extensive. This agreement aims to ensure that we prepare projects adequately so investors can have confidence and clarity on where to allocate capital,” Bagudu said.

    He pointed to Nigeria’s early experience in the mobile phone industry as proof of the country’s ability to absorb large-scale investments. 

    According to him, when mobile services were first introduced, investors struggled to imagine a market of 500,000 subscribers, but today Nigeria’s digital economy serves more than 100 million users.

    Bagudu added that the cooperation deal supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform drive, which he said has involved tough policy choices to stabilise the economy, make government policies more predictable, and encourage the private sector to invest.

    He also noted that Nigeria’s long-term development plan, known as Agenda 2050, and the country’s constitution both recognise the private sector as a key driver of growth, with government providing the right policies and support.

    The IFC’s, Vice President for Africa, Mr Ethiopis Tafara, described the agreement as the result of a year of close work between both sides and a shared vision for Nigeria’s future.

    “This is not just about signing a document. It is about establishing the groundwork for projects that generate employment, attract investment, and improve the daily lives of Nigerians,” Tafara said.

    He explained that the partnership would help improve how government budgets and projects are prepared by making it easier to identify, design, and deliver projects that are ready for investors in sectors such as transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and water.

    Tafara added that the World Bank Group would also support the effort with financing and guarantee tools that can help both the federal and state governments reduce risks and attract more private investors.

    “Nigeria’s infrastructure gap cannot be closed by public budgets alone. Public-private partnerships are vital. IFC is ready to assist the government in developing a strong pipeline of projects across key sectors,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, the IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Ms Dahlia Khalifa, said the agreement represents an important moment for Nigeria’s development journey.

    She said the country’s ongoing reforms and large, youthful population present huge opportunities, but these can only be fully realised with strong infrastructure, well-prepared projects, and effective cooperation between government and private investors.

    “That is what tonight is about—creating the framework for partnerships to thrive and deliver shared prosperity for all Nigerians,” Khalifa said.

    Read Also: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Nigeria set for Men’s 3×3 Basketball debut 

    She disclosed that IFC has been active in Nigeria for more than 60 years and has mobilised about $20 billion in investments over the past five years in areas such as energy, digital infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services, including trade finance.

    Khalifa also revealed that IFC’s staff strength in Nigeria has grown four times over the last two years, showing the organisation’s increasing focus on the country.

    She praised the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for its role in coordinating national economic priorities and improving how major projects are developed.

    According to her, the cooperation agreement will help in identifying and delivering major projects in transportation, energy, and support for small and medium-sized businesses.

    “This is the kind of collaboration that turns ambition into achievement. Together, we will build projects that connect markets, power industries, and unlock the full potential of the Nigerian people,” she said.

    The agreement signals the Federal Government’s intention to work more closely with development finance institutions and the private sector to mobilise investment, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth across Nigeria.

  • Nigeria data protection ecosystem hits N16.2 billion in value within three years 

    Nigeria data protection ecosystem hits N16.2 billion in value within three years 

    The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, said on Wednesday that Nigeria is now a global player as the country’s Data Protection and Privacy ecosystem now peaked at about 16.2 billion naira in value. 

    Dr Olatunji attributed the feat to pragmatic steps taken by the leadership of the Commission following the signing into law of the Data Privacy and Protection Act by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

    The NDPC boss said in less than four years the NDPC has transformed into a global institutions with no fewer than 12 countries understudying its ecosystem, while some institutions had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NDPC on how to replicate the Commission’s achievements in their country. 

    Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Data Protection and Privacy Summit at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday, Dr Olatunji praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani for the transformations taking place in the sector. 

    He announced that besides the on going massive awareness campaigns embarked upon by the NDPC under his leadership, the Commission has been able to ensure the conclusion of investigations on 246 data privacy breaches by various institutions in the country. 

    Olatunji said while appropriate sanctions and remediation mechanisms have been meted out, no fewer than 23,000 new jobs have been created within the ecosystem, while government has earned 5.2 billion naira in compliance revenue from the sector. 

    He said the 2026 National Privacy Week with the theme “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics, and Innovation” which started on 28th January through to 4th February, ending with the summit would further enlighten Nigerians, the private and public sectors about the significance of data protection and privacy in the context of national security and economic development. 

    Listing the achievements of the NDPC, Dr Olatunji said, “The Commission initiated a multi-sector compliance drive, issuing compliance notices to 1,348 entities in August 2025 across the banking, insurance, pension, and gaming sectors, strengthening engagement and informing enforcement actions.

    “Since the signing of Act by Mr President over 23,000 new jobs have been created within the ecosystem while the value of the data protection ecosystem is now over N16.2b.”

    Read Also: French Embassy partners firm to boost Nigerian filmmakers

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Mr Nadungu Gagare said the choice of the theme of the summit could not have been more relevant given the challenges of digitalisation in contemporary global economy. 

    The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Adetunji Adeyemo, a Director in the Universal Service Provision Department in the Ministry, called for ethical guidance that respect human dignity in the management of personal information and citizens’ data 

    He said responsible data management would be a catalyst to the growth and development of Nigeria economy, stressing that protection and privacy of data by institutions would not constitute any obstacle to innovations in the digital space. 

    He emphasised trust, credibility and collaboration of stakeholders in data protection and privacy, assuring that the government would continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks and build capacity of its workforce to enable them carry out their duties efficiently and effectively. 

    The Permanent Secretary further said emerging technologies such Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and others should be leveraged and deployed ethically to improve Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the private and public sectors, academia and civil society groups should work together to protect the private rights of citizens. 

  • Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven persons have been jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for drug trafficking.

    The seven persons were jailed in the month of January while 105 cases are are still pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City. 

    Edo State Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a press statement, said 46 suspected traffickers were arrested across the state in possession of 6,439kg of narcotic drugs 

    Ofoyeju said one Shaibu Yusuf was arrested in connection with 792kg bags of cannabis along the Auchi-Abuja expressway while attempting to convey the drugs to the northern part of the country.  

    He said Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade Benin City, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, transferred two drug suspects, Chief James Abamu aged 48 and Aboy Egah aged 31, arrested with a total of 862kg of cannabis seeds to the NDLEA.

    The Edo NDLEA Commander said the command would remained resolute in its mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State.

    Read Also: FG’s free metres yet to arrive Edo, says Commissioner

    Accordind to him, “The NDLEA seized a staggering total of 6,439.4 kilogrammes of various drugs. This haul predominantly consisted of 6,438.31 kilogrammes of cannabis. The cannabis includes 4,063.87 kilogrammes, which were destroyed in a cannabis farm, while 2,374.46 kg were seized during raid operations. Other seizures are 0.7957 kg of psychotropic substance, 0.0264 kg of methamphetamine, 0.011kg of cocaine, 0.013kg of heroin and 3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup.

    “The eradication of cannabis cultivation also featured prominently in the month’s activities, with the destruction of a cannabis farm spanning 1.625547 hectares in Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest. This farm was estimated to yield approximately 4,063.87 kg of cannabis, representing a significant blow to local cannabis cultivation cartels.

    “Determined to address the underlying issues of drug abuse, the command provided counselling services to sixteen clients, comprised predominantly of males, while an additional seven clients are undergoing rehabilitation at the State Command headquarters. Anti-drug abuse outreach efforts also continued, with four sensitisation programmes conducted during the month.”

  • Lagos rolls out diversion plan for Apongbon Bridge repairs

    Lagos rolls out diversion plan for Apongbon Bridge repairs

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced a traffic diversion plan ahead of repair works on the failed asphalt sections of the ramp and service lane linking Inner Marina to Apongbon Bridge, as well as parts of the bridge on the inbound and outbound lanes.

    According to the Ministry of Transportation, the works will run for six weeks from Thursday, February 5, to Thursday, March 19. The repairs will begin with the service lane before shifting to the main carriageway.

    The statement signed by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that sections of the affected roads would be closed to traffic to allow the Federal Ministry of Works undertake the rehabilitation safely.

    For inbound traffic, motorists from Inner Marina are expected to proceed to the Apongbon under bridge roundabout, connect to Adeniji Adele Road and continue through Ebute Ero to access the ramp leading to Apongbon and Eko Bridge. Traffic from TBS, Third Mainland Bridge and Victoria Island will connect their journeys through Apongbon Bridge to Eko Bridge.

    Read Also: Lagos orders illegal stall owners in Apongbon Bridge to relocate within 48 hours

    When work shifts to the main carriageway, motorists coming from TBS, Third Mainland Bridge and Victoria Island will ramp down at the Apongbon under bridge roundabout by UBA, proceed to Inner Marina, link the service lane and continue to Eko Bridge.

    For outbound movement, motorists from Eko Bridge heading to Inner Marina will be diverted through Ebute Ero Ramp, Adeniji Adele Road and Apongbon under bridge roundabout. Traffic from Eko Bridge to Outer Marina, Victoria Island and Third Mainland Bridge will maintain a through movement on Apongbon Bridge.

    During the main carriageway repairs, motorists heading to Outer Marina, CMS, Victoria Island and Third Mainland Bridge will be routed through Ebute Ero Ramp, Leventis and Outer Marina CMS. Those bound for Inner Marina will ramp down through Chapel Street to the Apongbon under bridge roundabout.

    Osiyemi appealed to motorists to be patient and comply with traffic management officials deployed to guide movement throughout the period. 

    He noted that the temporary diversions were necessary to deliver a successful repair of the strategic Apongbon Bridge.

  • Alleged N80.2b fraud: Yahaya Bello’s lawyer claims client’s trial is political 

    Alleged N80.2b fraud: Yahaya Bello’s lawyer claims client’s trial is political 

    The lead lawyer to former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, Joseph Daudu (SAN), has claimed that the trial of his client was political, adding that it has nothing to do with money laundering.

    Daudu made the assertion at the resumed hearing on Wednesday in Bello’s money laundering trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count charge relating to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds estimated at ₦80.2 billion.

    Daudu made the claim in reaction to remarks made during Wednesday’s proceedings by prosecuting lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who alleged that what happened in the manner Local Government Areas in Kogi State made payments was stealing by disguise. 

    In the course of proceedings, the seventh prosecution witness (PW7) Olomotane Egoro (a Compliance Officer with Access Bank) said the defendant did not serve as a Local Government Chairman in any of the Local Governments in Kogi State.

    Egoro noted that the contracts in respect of which payments were made were awarded by Local Government Chairmen for various purposes to contractors, as shown in statements of the bank accounts of some companies tendered and admitted as exhibits by the court.

    The witness, who was being cross-examined by Daudu, stated that there was no mention of the degendant’s name in any of the local government transactions under investigation. 

    Looking through the bank statements, the witness said the name, Yahaya Bello did not appear, either as a sender or a recipient of Local Governments’ funds.

    Read Also: Alleged N80.2billion fraud: Court okays Yahaya Bello’s trip to Makkah for Umrah

    He confirmed that on the face of Exhibit 33(11), the entries in the transactions between the local governments and Keyless Nature Limited were consistent with normal banking transactions.

    The witness denied knowing the purpose for which all the payments were made, adding that he did not know, from the bank statements, whether there was any business or contractual relationship between the local governments and a firm , Keyless Nature Limited.

    The witness noted also that a customer had the right to spend his money anyhow he liked unless there was an issue of fraud.

    PW7 admitted that in respect of transactions in Exhibit 33(11), his bank was not under court order and have no report of fraud.

    The witness said the payment made into one Fayzade Business Enterprise was an inflow from Okene Local Government Area. 

    He added that the purpose as stated was for the supply of reading materials. 

    He listed the purposes of payments from Ogorimagongo, Okehi, Omala and Yagba LGAs as education materials (N4.4 million); medical items (N7.5 million); Sporting equipment (N10.8 million); and medical consumables (N12.2 million), respectively, among others.

    The purposes of other payments ranged from agrochemicals to farm inputs and also medical consumables, according to the witness.

    Further hearing in the case resumes on Thursday before Justice Emeka Nwite.