EXCLUSIVE: Kogi Governor Usman Ododo to Spend Over N1 Billion on Government House Remodelling and Residential Apartments Amid 80% of Revenue Committed to Debt Servicing in 2026

SaharaReporters’ review of Kogi State’s 2026 draft budget reveals that Governor Usman Ododo plans to spend N1.015 billion on remodelling the Government House, alongside an additional N1 billion earmarked for minor capital works through direct labour. The budget also includes N500 million for constructing residential apartments for lawmakers and the head of legislative services on an “owner-occupier” basis, meaning the government-funded houses would belong to the recipients.
These expenditures come amid mounting concerns over Kogi State’s debt profile, with over 80% of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) projected to be spent on debt servicing from 2025 to 2027. Analysts have raised alarms about the state’s weak revenue base, heavy reliance on federal allocations, and limited capacity to meet obligations without compromising essential services. Previous budget reviews highlighted that debt servicing overshadowed allocations to critical sectors like health, education, water resources, and public works, raising questions about fiscal prudence and transparency in the management of public resources.

#KogiState #GovernmentHouseRemodelling #UsmanOdodo #StateBudget2026 #DebtServicing #FiscalResponsibility #NigeriaNews

Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Declares 2027 Senate Bid Amid N80 Billion EFCC Fraud Probe

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has officially announced his candidacy for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, despite facing an ongoing EFCC prosecution over alleged N80 billion fraud and money laundering during his tenure. Bello made the declaration at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met traditional rulers, religious leaders, and constituents. His bid places him in direct contest with incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Bello denies all allegations, and his trial is expected to continue into 2026, with bank officials testifying on alleged suspicious transactions linked to his administration.

Today's Headlines: Natasha Accuses FG of Double Standard; US Vows Visa Ban on Corrupt Nigerian VIPs.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Federal Government of political persecution and double standards over the six-count criminal defamation charges filed against her. The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central, argued in court that while her petitions against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were ignored, the government rushed to prosecute her based on complaints from Akpabio and former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello. Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, described the charges as unconstitutional, frivolous, and aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who pleaded not guilty in June and was granted bail on self-recognition, insists the case is a misuse of the criminal justice system. She contends that defamation is civil in nature and should not be criminalised. Meanwhile, a coalition of over 350 women’s rights groups has petitioned the United Nations, alleging gender-based discrimination in her suspension from the Senate. The activists argue that the standoff undermines women’s participation in politics and breaches Nigeria’s international obligations. The matter resumes in court on October 20

Alleged Cybercrime Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stalls, Adjourned to October 20

The cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was adjourned to October 20, 2025, after her legal team filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The objection, raised by her counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), questions the alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation.

The senator, arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024, is accused of spreading false information electronically to incite violence and public disorder. Specifically, she is alleged to have publicly claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to kill her.

At the resumed hearing on September 22, prosecution counsel David Kaswe said they were ready to begin, with a witness present. However, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, ruled that the court must first resolve the jurisdictional objection before proceeding with the trial.

Key Allegations Against Akpoti-Uduaghan:

Accused of transmitting false, inciting information electronically.

Allegedly stated that Akpabio and Yahaya Bello plotted her assassination.

Charges brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc. (Amendment) Act 2024.

FG’s Lawsuit Against Suspended Senator Natasha Stalled.

The cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been stalled.

The case, filed by the Director of Public Prosecution, accuses her of spreading false and dangerous claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.

She was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge and granted bail, with trial expected to open today.

When proceedings began, defence lawyer Ehiogie West-Idahosa raised an objection, saying the court lacked jurisdiction and thajt the case abused the powers of the Attorney General. He also noted the defence had not been served witness statements.

Although the prosecution said it was ready with its first witness, Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must be decided first. The case has now been adjourned to October 20.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of telling a crowd in Ihima, Kogi State, and later on television, that Akpabio directed Bello to have her killed in Kogi so it would appear like community violence.

The charge is brought under the Cybercrimes Act of 2024 and carries serious penalties.

Sen. Dino Melaye Faces N509.6m Tax Evasion Charge.

Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has been summoned before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court over alleged evasion of more than N509.6 million in personal income tax.

According to filings, the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) assessed Melaye’s tax liabilities at N234.9 million for 2023 and N274.7 million for 2024, but said he failed to make the payments.

The agency also accused him of underpaying taxes between 2019 and 2022. Records show he declared incomes ranging from N1.25 million to N6.54 million in those years but remitted far less — for example, only N85,000.08 in 2019 and N100,000.08 in 2020.

A criminal summons dated August 21, 2025, compels his appearance at the Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone II, Abuja, on September 5, 2025. The FCT-IRS said it issued a notice of best judgment assessment on June 23 after Melaye failed to respond to an administrative assessment, later pasting the notice on his Maitama residence.

The Service stated: “Despite reminders and ample time provided, your non-compliance with Section 41 of the Act constitutes a breach of your obligations.

Consequently, the FCT-IRS has proceeded to raise a Best of Judgment Assessment in respect of your tax liabilities for the years under review.” Under the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011, failure to file returns or under-declaring income attracts fines, recovery of unpaid liabilities, and possible criminal proceedings.

If the court upholds the FCT-IRS claims, Melaye may face not only repayment of N509.6 million but also additional liabilities for 2020–2022, penalties, and interest charges. Melaye, a former Senate Committee on FCT chairman and PDP’s candidate in the November 2023 Kogi governorship election, could not be reached for comment as of Wednesday.

Yahaya Bello Sparks Reactions After Ordering Newly Elected Kogi Lawmaker to Sit on Floor.

A viral video shows former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello directing newly elected lawmaker Hassan Shado and his supporters to sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.
Bello urged Shado, winner of the August 16 by-election, to fully back Governor Ododo’s administration, stressing loyalty above all.
The incident has divided opinion, with critics calling it humiliating and supporters framing it as party discipline.

Ex-Kogi Gov. Yahaya Bello Orders Newly Elected Lawmaker to Sit on Floor, Pledges Loyalty to Gov. Ododo

A video making the rounds on social media has stirred reactions after former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was seen instructing a newly elected member of the State House of Assembly, Hassan Shado, and his supporters to sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.

Bello hosted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his residence on Monday, where Shado, winner of the August 16 Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election, was formally presented to him. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Shado winner with 55,073 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Godwin Meliga, who secured 1,038 votes.

In the footage, Bello appeared to assert authority as he directed the lawmaker and his entourage to take their seats on the floor.

In his remarks, Bello charged Shado to cooperate fully with the Speaker and other Assembly members in supporting Governor Ododo’s administration. Emphasizing his point, Bello drew the lawmaker-elect’s ear and said: “In everything that comes to the Assembly, everything, even if you don’t understand it, support the governor.

BREAKING: Appeal Court Reinstates Order on Yahaya Bello’s 14 Properties, ₦400M

The Court of Appeal has restored the preservation order on 14 properties and ₦400 million linked to former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello.

#YahayaBello #AppealCourt #BreakingNews #EFCC #CorruptionWatch #NigeriaPolitics #AssetRecovery

BREAKING: Ex-Kogi Governorship Candidate Dino Melaye Resigns from PDP.

Former Senator and 2023 Kogi State governorship candidate, Dino Melaye, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s inability to deliver Nigeria from what he described as “prevailing political cankerworms.”

In a resignation letter dated July 30 and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 1 in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Melaye announced his immediate withdrawal from the party and all its activities.

“This decision has become imperative due to the lack of potency and capacity by the party to deliver the Nigerian people from the prevailing political cankerworms that have eaten deeply into the fabric of our dear nation,” Melaye wrote.

He added that, after deep reflection on the current state of the party, he could no longer, “in good conscience,” participate in its affairs or support its agenda.

Melaye is an ally of former vice president Atiku Abubakar who also resigned from the PDP earlier in the month.

Melaye and Atiku have not yet announced their next political move; however, they are expected to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

SPD Youth leader Enemi Muhammad shot dead by police officer in Kogi.

A source told SaharaReporters on Monday that the incident occurred on July 10 at the Aija roundabout near the Attah of Igala Palace in Idah.


A Nigerian police officer, identified as Constable Kebiru Bello, has allegedly shot and killed the Zonal Youth Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Enemi Muhammad, in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A source told SaharaReporters on Monday that the incident occurred on July 10 at the Aija roundabout near the Attah of Igala Palace in Idah.

According to the source, three officers were sent to arrest Enemi on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ihongbe J. Swetine, following an allegation that one of their colleagues had confessed to selling a rifle to him.

The source said the officers arrived in a Toyota Camry and approached Enemi.

Meanwhile, when Enemi requested to see an arrest warrant or a formal invitation to the station, one of the officers allegedly accused him of being defiant and shot him three times. It was also gathered that after the police failed to present any warrant, Enemi attempted to flee, prompting the shooting.

The source further explained that Enemi was a strong supporter of Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, widely regarded by many as the rightful winner of the 2023 Kogi governorship election.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, the source alleged that Enemi’s support for Ajaka was seen as a grave offence by those responsible, leading to his killing without any prior invitation or warning.

The source explained that local vigilantes and naval personnel are currently guarding the police station in Idah, amid fears that enraged residents may attempt to storm the facility in protest over Enemi’s killing.

The source said: "Enemi Muhammad was murdered by the police in Idah, Kogi State, on the 10th of July, 2025. The officer who pulled the trigger is Constable Kabiru Bello."

Narrating how the situation escalated, the source said: "The officers came in a Camry car. Enemi demanded to see a warrant of arrest or a formal letter inviting him to the station. Constable Kabiru Bello responded that he was being stubborn and then shot him three times.

"Enemi was the Zonal Youth Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a strong opposition party in Kogi State. He was a staunch supporter of Murtala Yakubu Ajaka. That alone, they said, was a big offence. There was no prior invitation issued to him before the attempted arrest."

We need EFCC to work on former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello . We need to get to the root of the case .