Crime
N700 Million Diezani Cash: EFCC re-arraigns Yero, others
N700 Million Diezani Cash: EFCC re-arraigns Yero, others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on November 21, 2022 re-arraigned a former governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero before Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on an eight count amended charges bordering on money laundering. The re-arraignment is sequel to the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice M.G Umar, from the State.
Yero is being prosecuted by the EFCC alongside Nuhu Somo Wya (a former minister), Ishaq Hamsa (a former Secretary to Kaduna State Government) and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna (a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state) for their alleged involvement in the receipt and disbursement of the sum of N700 million paid to them by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.
At today’s sitting, the prosecution counsel, Nasiru Salele, told the Court that the case was for re-arraignment of the defendants and urged the court to ask them to take their pleas.
The charges were read to the defendants and they all pleaded ‘not guilty’.
One of the amended counts reads: “That you, Muktar Ramalan Yero (while being the Executive Governor of Kaduna state), Nuhu Somo Wya (whilst being a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna ( whilst being the chairman people’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna State Chapter, sometimes in 2015 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court (Federal High Court) did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: indirectly taking possession of the sum of N700,000,000.00 ( Seven Hundred Million Naira) which you ought to have known forms part of unlawful activity to wit; bribery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.
Another count reads: “That you Mukhtar Ramalan Yero ( whilst being the Executive Governor of Kaduna state), Nuhu Somo Wya (whilst being a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), Ishaq Hamza (whilst being the secretary to the Kaduna state government), and Abubakar Gaiya Haruna (whilst being the chairman people’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kaduna State Chapter, sometimes in 2015 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court (Federal High Court) did indirectly take possession of the aggregate sum of N700,000,000.00 ( Seven Hundred Million Naira),which you reasonably ought to have known forms parts of the proceeds of unlawful activity to wit: bribery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011( as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.
Following their pleas, the defence counsel, Yunus Ustaz Usman urged the court to extend to the defendants, the terms of the bail earlier granted them by the former judge.
The prosecution counsel, Nasiru Salele, appearing with M.E Eimonye and P.C Onyeneho, did not object to the application.
Justice Umar granted bail to the defendants on the same terms earlier offered them by the court.
The case was adjourned till 16th, 17th and 18th January, 2023, for trial.
N700 Million Diezani Cash: EFCC re-arraigns Yero, others
Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims After Gun Duel With Bandits in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that armed bandits had earlier attacked Gidan Filoti and Gidan Mairabo villages, abducting Hafsat Amadu, a female resident, and Musa Sani, a male.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Malumfashi led a joint security team on a rescue operation to Burdugau area, believed to be one of the bandits’ hideouts.
The security team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee with bullet wounds and leaving the captives behind.
Both victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims After Gun Duel With Bandits in Katsina
Mob Launches Reprisal Attack in Katsina, security forces Restore Calm
By: Zagazola Makama
A group of angry youths from Katsayal village in Sandamu Local Government Area of Katsina State launched a reprisal attack on neighbouring Takude village on Monday, setting several houses ablaze.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama the incident, which occurred at about 11:00 a.m., prompted the swift intervention of security forces from Dauda who moved to quell to quell the unrest and restore normalcy to the area.
Calm has since returned, and an investigation into the cause of the reprisal attack is currently ongoing.
In a move to ease tension and foster reconciliation, the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, visited Takude and addressed the affected communities, urging them to embrace peace and dialogue.
Meanwhile, security patrols and monitoring efforts are being intensified to prevent any escalation or further breakdown of law and order.
Mob Launches Reprisal Attack in Katsina, security forces Restore Calm
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent banditry attack occurred in Keta town, Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State on April 6, 2025, leaving one vigilante member dead and several vehicles destroyed. The attack was carried out by a large group of armed bandits, allegedly led by the notorious bandit kingpin “Ado Alero.”
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama they the bandits, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, stormed the town around 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, they opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of one vigilante member who attempted to resist the attack.
In addition to the loss of life, the bandits set fire to nine golf motor vehicles parked in the town, causing significant damage.
The assailants withdrew from the area after encountering strong resistance, during which one of the bandits was reportedly shot and killed.
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims After Gun Duel With Bandits in Katsina
Mob Launches Reprisal Attack in Katsina, security forces Restore Calm
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