Again, EFCC witness says no law breached in fund withdrawals by Kogi State.

The fourth prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in the alleged money laundering trial of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has re-affirmed that fund withdrawals by the state government did not breach any banking law.

During cross-examination before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, also reiterated that the name of the former governor did not appear as beneficiary in the account presented as evidence.

The Defence Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had drawn the witness’ attention to certain withdrawals by one Umar Comfort Olufunke, which the prosecution did not mention.

The prosecution had concentrated on withdrawals by Abdulsalam Hudu, the Cashier of Kogi State Government House.

The withdrawals, in multiples of N10 million, were between December 2017 and April 2018, with beneficiaries being various hotels in Kogi State, according to the witness.

On cross-examination, the witness also confirmed withdrawals by one Alhassan Omakoji between November 2021 and December 2022, which did not exceed N10 million per withdrawal.

He said the withdrawals were in line with the limits set by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN.

He admitted that he was not aware of any law that regulates how Kogi State Government spends its money or allocation.

Senator Natasha violated Penal Code, must face Criminal Charges – FG.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has insisted that the defamation charges filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were properly instituted in line with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Nigeria and the Constitution.

The AGF’s office stated this in its response to the senator’s preliminary objection to the three-count criminal charge pending before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Chizoba Oji.

The charges against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, stemmed from petitions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, following her public claims that the duo had conspired to assassinate her.

AGF Insists Charges Are Lawful
In its counter-affidavit, the AGF’s office maintained that the decision to prosecute the senator was taken after a comprehensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, which reviewed all petitions from both the complainants and the defendant.

“The three counts were preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the prosecution stated.

It further argued that the senator’s actions contravened provisions of the law, stressing that the case was filed “in the public interest, the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.”

According to the AGF’s office, the charges were neither politically motivated nor an abuse of prosecutorial power.

“The criminal charge against the defendant arose from the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties involved, by the Nigeria Police Force.”

Without Yahaya Bello APC Will Lose Kogi In 2027 – Commissioner Warns.

Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Bashir Gegu, has warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might lose Kogi State in the 2027 general elections if President Bola Tinubu sidelines former Governor Yahaya Bello.

Gegu gave the warning at a political gathering at a Kogi Local Council.

He argued that Bello remains the architect of the state’s current political structure and a decisive factor in the ruling party’s continued dominance.

The speech, which he shared on his Facebook page, quoted the commissioner as saying, “If former Governor Yahaya Bello is not carried along, APC cannot win Kogi State. That is the plain truth.”

He dismissed social media’s criticism of a recent rally in Lokoja, insisting it was not about power play, but an expression of gratitude to Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for their leadership.

Gegu added, “The rally was a show of appreciation, not a protest. But let no one make the mistake, without Yahaya Bello, there’s no APC victory in Kogi.”

The commissioner credited Bello for laying the groundwork for political stability and federal visibility in the state, saying his influence still cuts across all districts.

Yahaya Bello under fire over use of Kogi State letterhead in letter to army chief

Yahaya Bello under fire over use of Kogi State letterhead in letter to army chief.

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has come under intense criticism after posting and later deleting a congratulatory letter to the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, written on the official Kogi State Government letterhead despite no longer being in office.

The letter, which bore the state coat of arms and Bello’s signature as “Executive Governor,” triggered widespread outrage after being shared on social media. Critics accused the former governor of clinging to power and blurring the boundary between personal identity and state authority.

In the letter, Bello congratulated the new Army Chief but included a contentious line that quickly drew attention, “It gives me renewed hope that my worthy successor, His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, will now have you in his corner as he continues to tackle insecurity in his domain.”
Observers said the remark was problematic, as it suggested that the Chief of Army Staff could “belong” in a governor’s “corner,” a distortion of the military’s federal command structure.

The civic accountability platform @Kogi_Xcommunity first drew attention to the issue. In a viral post, the group wrote: “Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has deleted his personally signed letter to the new Chief of Army Staff after facing backlash from netizens.

“Tinubu Doesn’t Need to Campaign in Kogi State; There’s No Opposition Here,” — Yahaya Bello Boasts

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not need to campaign in Kogi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the ongoing endorsement rally held in Lokoja on Saturday to support the second-term bids of President Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo, Bello confidently stated that Kogi is a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his words, the governor said:

“Your Excellency, Mr. President, you don’t even need to come to Kogi State to campaign. There’s no opposition here. Those making noise elsewhere have not seen the lion—when the lion roars, they will run with their tails between their legs.”

Bello assured the President of total support from the people of Kogi State, emphasizing that the state remains fully committed to the Tinubu-led administration and the continuity of APC governance at both state and federal levels.

EFCC Raises Alarm as Yahoo Boys Turn to Human Rituals for Wealth.

EFCC has raised alarm over the growing trend of internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys” or “G-boys”, engaging in ritual activities, including human sacrifices and other supernatural practices, to enhance their fraudulent operations.

The anti-graft agency issued the warning in a post on X, stating, “G-boys are now going spiritual, involving themselves in rituals and making it the new usual. EFCC will come for any individual. Then, it won’t be business as usual.”

The post sparked mixed reactions on social media. A user, @Hajimuba504, wrote, “At this point EFCC needs a deliverance department to make Pastor join task force. Una go soon add ‘Chief Priest’ to recruitment list no worry.”

Another user, @Odenigbo511, criticised the agency’s priorities, saying, “EFCC, Our GDP was 800 Billion in 2014. Some people have looted it to 150 Billion in 2025 and it’s not yahoo boys, but you haven’t prosecuted anyone.”

Similarly, @Raypowerjustice commented, “Shameless criminal entity that can’t account for all the cars, phones, laptops, money and houses they seized. Where is Yahaya Bello? Politicians are your best friends, young boys are your enemies. You have resigned yet fake pastor Chairman.”

Yahaya Bello Hails Tinubu As Angel Sent By God To Fix Nigeria

Transactions in Kogi govt’s accounts violated no regulations Witness in Yahaya Bello’s trial.

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others has claimed that the transactions carried out in accounts belonging to the state government violated no known banking regulations.

The witness, Mrs. Abimbola Williams, who is a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), featured as the third prosecution witness.

Bello is being prosecuted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is being prosecuted with Umar Oricha (Director General, Kogi State Government House) and Abdulsalami Hudu (an Accountant with the state government).

The EFCC is, in the 16-count charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Under cross-examination by the lawyer to Bello, Joseph Daudu, Williams said she was not the relationship or account manager of the Kogi Government House account.

She added that the account is domiciled in Lokoja (the capital of Kogi State), while she works in Abuja.

The witness said the banks do not enquire from customers the purpose for which they were making cash withdrawals, but that such a question could be asked when making transfers, and the relationship with the beneficiary in cases of high-volume transactions.

Same Chairman of EFCC told Us If Bello Wasn't Arrested He'd Resign; He's Back On The Streets–Sowore.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arguing that the agency has become too weak to fight corruption in Nigeria.

In a video shared by TV Platinum, Sowore said the EFCC has lost credibility and can no longer handle high-profile corruption cases because the country’s powerful politicians have already taken control of the commission. He likened the EFCC to a powerless institution that no longer serves its original purpose of holding corrupt leaders accountable.

He reminded Nigerians that the current EFCC chairman, Olanipekun Oluyede, once made a bold promise to resign if former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, was not arrested. Despite that promise, Bello has remained free. Sowore pointed out that Bello had traveled, enjoyed vacations, and later returned to public life while still facing trial. Instead of being treated like a suspect, he claimed, Bello has continued to receive respect and influence within the political space.

Sowore also alleged that Bello is working towards a political comeback in Kogi State, which he described as an attempt at a “back door third term.” This, he said, shows how corruption and impunity remain deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political system.

In his words, "This same chairman of EFCC told us that if Bello wasn't arrested, he would resign. Bello was never arrested. Bello decided that after he had gone around and played and gone on vacation, came back to come and play, he's back on the streets."

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.

Court Adjourns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial to October 20.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to October 20, 2025, after her defence team challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
She faces six charges under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, over statements allegedly implicating Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello in threats to her life.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the cybercrime trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to October 20, 2025, after her defence team challenged the court’s jurisdiction.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, arraigned on June 30 and granted bail on self-recognition, faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.

One of the counts alleged: “That on or about April 1, 2025, while addressing a crowd at Ihima Community, Kogi State, you — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan — intentionally caused the following communication to be transmitted via a computer system and network, to wit: ‘…and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello, I am saying, standing by what I have said. He told him that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me here…’ And you… knew this contained a threat that could harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, as the President of the Senate…”

Another charge stated the same words but linked the alleged threat to “Yahaya Adoza Bello, a former Governor of Kogi State.”

At Monday’s sitting, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe announced readiness to proceed, saying the first witness was present and a television screen mounted in court. But Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), objected, arguing it was an abuse of the Attorney-General’s powers and that the defence had not been served witness statements.

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that the objection must first be resolved before trial, and adjourned the case to October 20.

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.

Trial of Suspended Senator, Natasha Begins Monday.

The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, will on Monday, September 22, 2025, face trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged cybercrime offences against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
Naija News reports that the trial follows a six-count criminal charge coordinated by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30, 2025, where she pleaded not guilty after charges bordering on the alleged circulation of false and injurious information via electronic means were read to her.

According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, the Senator is accused of making electronic communications intended to malign, incite, endanger lives, and breach public order.

One of the counts accused her of alleging at a public gathering in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, on April 1, 2025, that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her assassinated in Kogi State so it would appear as though it was carried out by locals.

Onoja Reveals: “Yahaya Bello Once Asked Me To Stand Up And Greet Natasha At Govt House”

Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has shed light on the once cordial relationship between ex-Governor Yahaya Bello and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Speaking during an interview on the Mic On Podcast, Onoja recalled how Natasha was first introduced into the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Governor Bello himself. According to him, the two enjoyed a friendly bond at the time, often sharing meals together and showing mutual respect beyond politics.

Narrating a particular incident at the Glass House in the Kogi State Government House, Onoja said Governor Bello asked him to vacate his seat and greet Natasha personally, which he did without hesitation.

“There was a time when Natasha was part of the APC, invited by His Excellency the governor. They were close friends and often dined together. On one occasion in the Glass House, the governor instructed me to stand and greet her. I did as directed because when your principal gives an instruction, you follow it,” Onoja said.

His revelation offers a rare glimpse into the interpersonal dynamics of Kogi politics, highlighting how political alliances and personal friendships shaped key interactions in the state’s ruling party at the time.

Onoja’s comments contrast with today’s political climate, where relationships among major players in the state appear far more strained.

I’d Rather Die Than Beg At Yahaya Bello’s Gate’, Says Ex-Kogi Lawmaker Makama.

A former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly and one-time Special Adviser to former Governor Yahaya Bello, Hon. Friday Sani Makama, has declared that he would never stoop so low as to “beg at anyone’s gate” for political relevance.

Speaking in an interview on UrahTV, Makama drew comparisons with some politicians whom he accused of engaging in extreme public display of loyalty.

“When the governor does not invite me, I go there to stand by the gate, like they are doing now. Or when the former governor (Yahaya Bello) does not want to see me, I will go by the gate and stand like they are doing now, they will have to arrange mat in front of the house of the former governor to go and lie down there,” he said.

Rejecting such behavior outrightly, Makama declared, “I, Comrade Friday Sani Makama, that is the last thing I will do on this earth, or, instead, I should be buried, let me die and leave this earth. I cannot do that, we are not the same, we are different people. I am a strong character, you cannot just push me to that level.”

The former lawmaker also distinguished between political loyalty and what he described as “bootlicking.”

“When you do party singing, praise singing in party politics is allowed, but bootlicking is not part of politics,” he stated.

When pressed by the interviewer on whether both the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and the incumbent governor, Usman Ododo, were his political principals, Makama clarified that only Bello could be regarded as such.

“You are not getting it right ,” he said firmly. “Alhaji Yahaya Bello was my principal by the reason of the fact that he gave me a mandate, an appointment to serve in his government. He was my principal.”

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.

VP Shettima Visits Kogi to Condole Gov. Ododo Over Father’s Passing

Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid a condolence visit to Lokoja, Kogi State, following the death of Governor Usman Ododo’s father, Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, who passed on at the age of 83.

Shettima was warmly received by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu before heading to Okene, where he met with Gov. Ododo, ex-Governor Yahaya Bello, the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, and other dignitaries. He was accompanied by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, lawmakers, and top government officials.

May the soul of the late patriarch rest in peace.

#KashimShettima #GovernorOdodo #KogiState #CondolenceVisit #NigeriaNews #Leadership

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