Court restrains EFCC from arresting, detaining ex-governor Yahaya Bello

A High Court sitting in Lokoja on Wednesday restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting, detaining and prosecuting former governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi.

Justice I.A Jamil, gave the order in a two hour judgment delivered in suit no HCL/68/M/2020 in Lokoja on Wednesday.

The judge held that infringing on the fundamental human rights of the former Kogi is null and void except as authorised by the Court.

“By this order, the EFCC is hereby restrained from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the applicant except as authorised by the Court.

“This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given, ” he said.

Bello had filed a case of a breach of his fundamental human rights by the Anti-graft agency before the state High Court.

The former governor had prayed for an order restraining the EFCC from arresting, detenting and prosecuting him unjustly

Bello, sought for the enforcement of his fundamental right against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Consequently, the Court restrained the respondents from persecuting the applicant, safe only when it has a reasonable evidence upon proper investigation.

On the issue of jurisdiction as challenged by the EFCC, the judge said it had failed and so was dismissed.

“This honourable court has jurisdiction to entertain this application.

“Therefore, the substantive issues of fundamental human rights sought by the applicant succeeds, ” he declared .

Speaking to newsmen, Bello’s counsel, S.A. Abbas and MS Yusuf, described the judgment as a landmark and a victory to the judiciary.

Court restrains EFCC from arresting, detaining ex-governor Yahaya Bello

Troops obliterate ISWAP terrorists in Timbuktu, destroy 2 gun trucks, recover Howitzer Artillery gun

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army swooped on the stronghold of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Timbuktu triangle of the Lake Chad Region, killing scores of the fighters.

The week-long clearance operation being carried out by the troops of Sector 2, Special Forces Brigade of the Nigerian Army, HYBRID forces and Civilian JTF, in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force that provided aerial cover and reconnaissance duties, stormed and eliminated dozens of terrorists in the general area.

The strikes in Kafa and Mafi general area by the NAF Component, on April 15, resulted to the total obliteration of two vehicles and the decimation of all the fighters on board.

Again several terrorists were killed when they fell under the overwhelming superior fire power of the troops on April 16, 2024. The troops recovered one hilux truck and another on 1 x 105 Pack Howitzer.

The renewed vigor and determination of the troops and the synergy between the ground and air forces that produced the successful result have elicited joy among citizens in the area who expressed optimism that indeed, the days of the terrorist are numbered,” the source added.

Troops obliterate ISWAP terrorists in Timbuktu, destroy 2 gun trucks, recover Howitzer Artillery gun

Zulum: Borno Committed to Agricultural Development

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing agriculture in the state.

Zulum stated this on Tuesday in Maiduguri during the flag-off ceremony of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP).

RHI-WASP is the initiative of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to support women engaged in agricultural activities and contribute to the food sufficiency agenda of the President.

Zulum said: “Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, the Borno State Government has given top priority to the development of Agriculture in the state, and that is why concerted efforts are made to mobilise both human and material resources to boost agriculture in the state.”

He added that: “Towards this end, the state government has procured agricultural machinery and inputs such as tractors, chemicals and fertilisers, among others.

Governor Zulum also gave assurance of his continuous assistance to farmers in the state. He said, “This, I believe, will go a long way in enhancing the productivity of our farmers. The government is, therefore, poised to ensure that our farmers are assisted in every way to increase their agricultural productivity.

The first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented at the occasion by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, noted that about 220 women farmers and people with disabilities have benefited from the programme; among them, 120 women farmers, 20 from each of the six northeast states received N500,000 each and 100 people with disabilities from Borno State each received N100,000.

She said: “Today, we are supporting twenty (20) women farmers per state in the Northeast zone with the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) each,” adding that: “The draft cheque will be handed over to the first ladies of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States who are also RHI State Coordinators for onward disbursement to all beneficiaries in their respective states. These farmers are those in the agricultural sector, animal husbandry, poultry and fish farming.”

Earlier in a goodwill message, the wife of Borno State Governor, Dr Falmata Zulum, expressed gratitude to the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the gesture to support women in agriculture in the northeast and over 100 people with disabilities from Borno State.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Kadafur; wives of the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States; and the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori.

Also in attendance are Senators for Borno North and Central, Muhammed Tahir Monguno and Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba and Dr Zainab Gimba, Deputy Speaker of Borno House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira, Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, commissioners and other senior officials of government.

Zulum: Borno Committed to Agricultural Development