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Tag: kogi

  • BREAKING! Embattled ex-gov, Yahaya Bello denies using govt money to pay children’s school fees

    BREAKING! Embattled ex-gov, Yahaya Bello denies using govt money to pay children’s school fees

    Embattled ex-Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has responded to allegations surrounding the payment of school fees for his children.

    The controversy arose following accusations by the chairman of the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, during a media parley.

    The EFCC chairman alleged that Bello withdrew funds from the Kogi State Government account to pay his children’s school fees, just before leaving office.
    Since the press conference, receipts purportedly showing payments of the said fees have circulated online, prompting a response from Bello’s media office.

    In response to the accusations, the embattled former governor released a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, which included several crucial details to set the record straight.

    The statement titled “Payment for school fees:Setting the records straid”, partly read, “While we reserve our rights to seek redress against the said defamatory statements, permit us to briefly state the following for the purpose of setting the records straight: “His Excellency, Yahaya Bello’s children have attended the American International School, Abuja well before he became Governor and he has paid fees for his children as and when due and without fail.

    “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello did not pay the sum of USD720,000 as alleged by the EFCC Chairman or USD840,000 as is being bandied about on the internet.

    “The payment of the fees was not effected at about the time his Excellency was to leave office as claimed by Mr. Olukoyede but same commenced in 2021.

    “Alhaji Yahaya Bello DID NOT pay the fees of his Children with monies from the Coffers of the Kogi State Government.

    “When the EFCC approached the American International School Abuja (AISA) to illegally recover funds legitimately paid by Alhaji Yahaya Bello and other family members, a member of the family challenged the EFCC’s unlawful acts to recover funds legitimately paid. The FCT High Court, in Suit No.

    FCT/HC/2574/2023 between: Mr. Ali Bello v. The Incorporated Trustees of American International School, Abuja, held that AISA could not lawfully and unilaterally refund to a third party, including the EFCC, fees paid by the parties to the suit.

    “The Court subsequently mandated AISA to continue to provide the services it had been paid with respect to the fees.

    “From the foregoing, it is clear that no money belonging to Alhaji Yahaya Bello or his family members with regard to school fees has been recovered by the EFCC.

    “Now, let it be known that, contrary to misleading narratives by the EFCC, all the documents published online i.e. receipts and letters, that the EFCC has released online, in furtherance of its unrelenting persecution of the former Governor, are documents filed by lawyers in the suit instituted on behalf of Alhaji Yahaya Bello and others who paid fees for their wards under the Advance Fee Payment Agreement with AISA. Those documents, having been filed by his lawyers, are thus public documents, which shows that his Excellency, Yahaya Bello, has nothing to hide with regard to the payment of advance fees for his children. This unending harassment and persecution, even while in office, were among key reasons he sought to enforce his fundamental human rights.

    “We state that the payment of these fees and the legitimacy thereof is the subject matter of Charge No. FHC/CR/573/2022, filed by the EFCC since 15th December 2022 at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The Charge is pending and the Court has yet to make any finding or convicted anyone in respect of the said sum.”

  • Ondo APC Primary: Kogi Governor, Ododo, guber aspirant exchange hot words in Akure

    Ondo APC Primary: Kogi Governor, Ododo, guber aspirant exchange hot words in Akure

    The Governor of Kogi state, Usman Ododo  and one of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirants in Ondo State, Gbenga Edema, exchange hot words on Saturday over the distribution of election materials for the party’s primary.

    Both APC members were caught having hot exchange of words at BON hotel in Akure the Ondo state capital.

    he Kogi State governor is the chairman of the seven-member committee overseeing the Ondo APC governorship primary.

    While party members gathered at the hotel, Edema confronted Ododo, saying that election materials were to be distributed to several wards in the state.

    Edema claimed that Ovie Omo-Agege, secretary of the primary election committee, had announced that “accreditation will start by 10 am, to be completed by 1 pm while voting proper will start by 1 pm and end by 2 pm”.

    The aspirant further accused the Ododo-led committee of breaching the protocols for the exercise.

    Responding, the governor said election materials have been sent to wards in the North and South senatorial districts in the state.

    He said: “I came in this morning as early as past eight for this national assignment to humanity. You claim that there has never been material issued to any of the 203 wards.

    “From the brief I have gotten from the secretary of this APC primary election, that of the north and south have been released since morning. And it remains that of the central, which is what we have been trying to sort out.”

    Reacting, Edema said his ward is located in the state’s south senatorial district and “the returning officer who ought to collect materials for my ward, Mahin Ward II in Ilaje local government area, is here and unable to collect any materials.

    “I’m from Ilaje LGA. [Voting material] has not been sent there. How did it arrive there? Through what medium? I have been here by 6:30 am.

    “I am one of the aspirants. The returning officer who ought to collect material for my ward, Mahin Ward II, in the Ilaje local government area, is here and unable to collect any materials. He has been here since seven o’clock. No material was given to him.”

  • Veteran actor, Zack Orji speaks on death rumour, days it’s a lie from pit of hell

    Veteran actor, Zack Orji speaks on death rumour, days it’s a lie from pit of hell

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Zack Orji, has said that the news of his death is a ‘lie from the pit of hell’.

    The actor stated this during a chat a national tv station noting that after the rumours broke out, he began receiving calls from different concerned fellows including colleagues who haven’t reached out to him for years.

    Recall the media was agog with stories speculating that the actor was dead.

    In response to this Orji said, “About a week ago or more than that, I don’t know who originated that lie, I call it a lie from the pit of hell that well; not myself, they had passed away, and then I saw it and I started receiving all kind of calls even calls from people I haven’t heard from for years, most of them were just concerned, they wanted to find out if it was true and all of that.

    “I can only say that sometimes, social media has made people to be so reckless and callous to the point of spreading fake news just to grow their page. I believe that’s what that person did. And it happened at the time when we lost some of our colleagues, the latest one being Amaechi Munagor ….. But thank God that our lives are not with men, our lives are with God, it is God that is the keeper and strength of our lives. Thank God that it is not my time yet. I don’t want to waste my time accusing anybody for that lie. I just let it go because I have more important things to do with my life and time. ”

  • Fresh ‘wahala’ for Yahaya Bello,Ododo as group petition EFCC over misappropriation of N300bn LG funds

    Fresh ‘wahala’ for Yahaya Bello,Ododo as group petition EFCC over misappropriation of N300bn LG funds

    A fresh petition before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has alleging ex-Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello and his successor, Usman Ododo, of conniving with others to either loot or misappropriate over N300Billion allocation to the 21 Local Governments of the state between May 2016-January 2024.

    Recall on Wednesday, operatives of EFCC had stormed Bello’s residence in Abuja in an attempt to arrest him over an ongoing fraud investigation. But Ododo arrived the former Governor’s residence and helped him to evade arrest by smuggling him out.

    However, the fresh petition listed all the 21 immediate past Local Government Chairmen who served during Bello as co-conspirators in the looting of the over N300billion LG funds.

    The petition signed by a group known as Kogi Conscience stated that in 2016, N23.1billion was received as Kogi Local Govt Allocations and in 2018, N43.6billion was received. In 2019, N41.1Billion was received while in 2020, N34.4billion was received as Local Govt allocation from the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission.

    The group added that in 2021, N44.7billion was received while in 2023, N73.1billion was received from the RMFC for Local Governments in the state.

    At the time the over N300billion was looted, the current Kogi Governor, Ododo, served as the Auditor General for Local Governments, making him the one who supervised the misappropriation and looting of the billions.

  • Ex-Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello kicks as EFCC storm his Abuja residence

    Ex-Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello kicks as EFCC storm his Abuja residence

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) laid siege to the residence of former Kogi governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in Wuse, Abuja on Wednesday.

    The state’s sitting governor and Bello’s successor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo and his motorcade were seen around the premises.

    One of the operatives told NAN that the action had to do with money-laundering charges levelled against the erstwhile governor.

    EFCC’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, could not be reached to confirm the claim.

    In March, the EFCC dragged Bello and three alleged accomplices before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an amended charge of N84 billion money laundering.

    Reacting to EFCC’s move of Wednesday, the media office of the ex-governor condemned the action and urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the EFCC.

    It stated that: “the presence of EFCC’s operatives in Bello’s residence negated an injunction granted by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, on Feb. 9.’’

    It added that the court granted the injunction in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Bello and the EFCC restraining the EFCC from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello, pending the determination of a substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

    “The EFCC was duly served with that order on Feb. 12, and on Feb. 26, it filed Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024 at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

    “The appeal was accompanied by a Motion for a Stay of Execution of the order of the Lokoja High Court, and the Court of Appeal fixed hearing for April 22.

    “Furthermore, judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC will be delivered at noon in Lokoja on Wednesday.

    “Contrary to all of these, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of Yahaya Bello, seeking to arrest him in contravention of extant orders.

    “It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to reliefs granted.

    “We are aware of the total commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s current administration to the rule of law,’’ it stated.

  • Kogi Guber Election Tribunal, jittery APC, Ododo fail to present witness

    Kogi Guber Election Tribunal, jittery APC, Ododo fail to present witness

    Today, the 15th April, 2024. Kogi State election petition tribunal resumed hearing after the break.

    APC/Ododo who are supposed to open their defense on how they won the November 11th Election are in jittery mood.

    In a conflicting scenario, they could not present single witness today haven had number of days been granted to them.

    In addition, they presented documents that were not in their original schedule.

    Kogites and Nigerians in general are patiently waiting for how they want to prove and defend the report from BVAS, CTC of all documents and even the forged documents.

    However, Judge in his wisdom and in view of the exigency of the case and time constraints, wishes to amend the decisions of the number of days given to the first and second respondent and to all parties involved.

    29th day of May, 2024 according to the Tribunal guidelines is the last day for this court says the Judge.

    Ododo/APC and INEC may not have the ten days as was approved by the Court.

    Case adjourned to 16th April, 2024.

  • Kogi bandits attack: We’ve arrested some suspects – Ododo

    Kogi bandits attack: We’ve arrested some suspects – Ododo

    Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Wednesday, disclosed that some suspects in connection with the bandits’ killings at Agojeju-Odo and Abejukolo communities in Omala Local Government Area of the state have been arrested.

    The two communities were attacked by suspected herdsmen on April 4, where 25 persons were reportedly killed and several others left injured by the assailants.

    Ododo, while speaking with newsmen shortly after observing his prayer at Okene Eid-el Praying Ground, said “some suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and investigation is ongoing.

    “The crisis in Omala Local Government Area has not just started today but has been there for some years now and we will do our best to make sure that peace is fully restored in the area.

    “As I speak with you, some suspected persons have been arrested; investigation are ongoing, and they are giving us useful information.

    “As soon as we are done with the investigation, the report will be made public and the perpetrators would be brought to justice.”

    The governor commiserated with relatives of those killed in the crisis and restated government’s commitment to provide support for those injured and others whose houses were destroyed in the attack.

    He further urged Muslims in the state to sustain the lessons learnt in the holy month of Ramadan.

    “As we mark the end of this Ramadan, I urge each and everyone of us to carry forward the lessons learnt in this month of Ramadan.

    “Let us continue to practice kindness, generosity, love and understanding in our daily life,” Ododo said.

    NAN reports that Chief David Akpa, District Head and Ochala Onu-Ife Bagaji Odo, Omala, Kogi, confirmed to reporters in his palace that the 25 persons killed were buried on Saturday.

    He said that those buried included two women and four children.

    Akpa described the attack as barbaric and wicked given the way and manner the bandits unleashed mayhem on his people.

    He had called on the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the victims, who are taking refuge in various communities for fear of their dear lives.

    “We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood. We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now,” the traditional ruler said.

  • Minister urges swift investigation of Kogi massacre, resolution of communal disputes

    Minister urges swift investigation of Kogi massacre, resolution of communal disputes

    Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, has called for swift investigation of Thursday’s banditry at Abejukolo and Agojeju Odo communities in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi.

    Twenty-five persons killed in the attack, including two women and four children, were buried on Saturday.

    Audu, a Kogi indigene also commiserated with the families of the deceased in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoli.

    The minister condemned the attack and enjoined the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun and the governor of Kogi, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to take necessary actions to enhance security in Kogi communities.

    He charged relevant agencies to intervene in disputes in communities to avoid a recurrence and to ensure that perpetrators of the Abejukolo and Agojeju Odo attacks were brought to justice.

    “I appeal to the Inspector-General of Police to take swift action in investigating this crime to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “It is very important to resolve all issues that led to the unfortunate incident so that peace and normalcy can return to the communities.

    “I also urge everyone to remain vigilant; be security-conscious, and to collaborate with security agencies and personnel.

    “Report any suspicious moves you see around as this might help to prevent such atrocities,’’ he said.

    Thursday’s attack was the second in the year in the community sending serious fears into residents.

    A community member had alleged on Thursday that a running battle between militia groups in parts of Benue and some bandits led to the onslaught on the sleepy towns of Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji and environs.

    “They destroyed farm produce with ease in an attempt to draw the communities into the conflict,’’ he said.

    Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Usman Ododo said on Friday that the governor had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

    “The killing of innocent and harmless residents of the community by alleged hired militiamen is very callous, unacceptable and condemnable,’’ he said.

    Omodara said property; especially houses, vehicles, and crops were destroyed in the attack.

    He called on people of Agojeju-Odo and neighbouring communities to remain calm as government and security agencies were on top of the situation.

    Other accounts said the attacks were reprisals of alleged killing of six herdsmen in the Kogi communities.

  • Kogi attack: Ododo expresses shock over killings, vows to prevent reccurrence

    Kogi attack: Ododo expresses shock over killings, vows to prevent reccurrence

    Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi has expressed shock and sympathy over the recent killing of 25 persons during bandits attack in Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of the state.

    Ododo, who spoke on the attack in Lokoja, regretted the ugly dimension that communal clashes between people in the area have assumed over time.

    He promised immediate intervention by his administration to forestall a reoccurrence of the unfortunate situation.

    “I am assuring the citizens that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will be brought to justice soon.

    “Already, security agencies are on the trail of the assailants whose acts of mindless cowardice resulted in the destruction of lives and property in the area,” he said.

    The governor has sent a delegation led by the state Deputy Gov. Elder Joel Oyibo-Salifu on a condolence visit to the area.

    According to him, the kinetic and non-kinetic measures deployed by the state government has led to relative stability in Omala Local Government Area until the recent escalation of the conflict.

    He further promised to deploy a detachment of the recently established Metropolitan Quick Response to the area to complement existing security architecture in Omala LGA.

    Ododo, however, commiserated with relatives of those killed in the crisis and promised that the government will provide support for those injured and others whose houses were destroyed in the attack.

    Bandits reportedly killed at least 25 people and wounded an unspecified number of others in the LGA on April 4.

    The attack reportedly came in retaliation for local residents recently killing six herders.

  • Kogi community buries 25 victims of banditry

    Kogi community buries 25 victims of banditry

    Twenty-five victims of Thursday’s banditry at Agojeju-Odo community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi were buried on Saturday.

    Chief David Akpa, District Head and Ochala Onu-Ife Bagaji Odo, Omala, Kogi, told newsmen in his palace that those buried included two women and four children.

    Akpa described the attack as barbaric and wicked given the way and manner the bandits unleashed mayhem on his people.

    “We are mourning our loved ones who were killed in cold blood. We have never had any misunderstanding either with bandits or with herdsmen before now.

    “As it is now, we are living in fear, more so that we heard that they are coming to Bagaji Odo, where surviving victims are taking refuge.

    “We are pleading with the federal and state governments to come to our aid and protect us from bandits,’’ he pleaded.

    Akpa explained that Thursday’s attack was the second in the year sending serious fears into residents.

    A community member had alleged on Thursday that a running battle between militia groups in parts of Benue and some bandits led to the onslaught on the sleepy towns of Agojeju-Odo, Ajokpachi-Odo, Bagaji and environs.

    “They destroyed farm produce with ease in an attempt to draw the communities into the conflict,’’ he said.

    Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Usman Ododo said on Friday that the governor had ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

    “The killing of innocent and harmless residents of the community by alleged hired militiamen is very callous, unacceptable and condemnable,’’ he said.

    Omodara said property; especially houses, vehicles, and crops were destroyed in the attack.

    He called on people of Agojeju-Odo and neighbouring communities to remain calm as government and security agencies were on top of the situation.

    Police spokesman in Kogi, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, also confirmed the attack and assured that security operatives were keeping vigil over the community to forestall further attacks.

    “A tactical response team of the police, the military, and members of vigilance groups has been deployed in the area. Normalcy has since returned to the troubled community.

    “Investigation into the incident has started to bring the perpetrators to book,’’ Ovye-Aya assured.