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JUST IN: Confusion Surrounds Yahaya Bello’s Status As EFCC Denies Arrest

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Contradictory reports have emerged regarding the status of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) denying his arrest.

Earlier reports suggested that Bello was arrested in a midnight sting operation by EFCC operatives in Lokoja and was being held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

A source familiar with the development stated that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commission’s invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight..

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However, the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, has issued a statement denying Bello’s arrest, stating that he remains wanted for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges.

Oyewale said, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

READ ALSO: Finally, Ex-gov Yahaya Bello Honours EFCC Invitation

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“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.

“The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody,”

Also, Bello’s media office had earlier released a statement claiming that he had voluntarily honored the EFCC’s invitation.

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The press release from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, read, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honored the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: FG Alerts Nigerians On Lagdo Dam Water Release

“This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.

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“The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process.

“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.

“It is important for the former Governor to now honor the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

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READ ALSO: NIN-SIM Linkage: Telcos Begin Disconnection Of 66m Phone Lines

“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.

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“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profile Nigerians.

“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”

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Tinubu Unveils Plan To Restart Oil Production In Ogoniland

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President Bola Tinubu has moved to restart oil production in Ogoniland in Rivers State.

The president disclosed this on Wednesday when he conferred posthumous national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, on the late Ogoni four; Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage.

Conferring the honours at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu urged the Ogoni people to embrace reconciliation and unity after decades of division.

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READ ALSO:Teacher In Police Net For Tying, Beating Pupil In Bauchi

He assured them of his administration’s support for peace, environmental remediation, and economic revival in the land.

“I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production.

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“The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity,” he said.

READ ALSO:Nigeria Ready, Willing To Host Commonwealth Games — Tinubu

The president directed the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to begin engagements between Ogoni communities, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting operations.

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Earlier in his report, the NSA stated that the consultations engaged all four Ogoni zones and the diaspora, capturing demands for structured participation in oil production, accelerated cleanup, and sustainable development.

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Former Oyo Police Commissioner Is Dead

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A Former Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abiodun Odude is dead.

The shocking news of his death was shared by the Chairman, Ibadan branch of Government College, GCI Old Boys Association, Akin Orowale on the Association’s platform.

Abiodun Odude, an old boy of GCI, served as Oyo CP between 2017 and 2019.

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In the meantime, reactions have continued to trail the death of Odude.

READ ALSO:Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Is Dead

A former Director General, Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA), and GCI OBA stalwart, Dr Yinka Adepoju posted this on platform.

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Hmmm, another deep cut in the GCI Old Boys Association and Boys of 71 Set in particular!

“May the Soul of Biodun rest in peace as l pray that the Lord comforts all members of this Great 71Set and his entire family members, ‘Yinka Adepoju @71, 2356# Grierson”

So sad to lose such a personality NOW. But what can we do? Nothing absolutely than to wish him eternal rest and divine consolation to the loved ones left behind, particularly his immediate family and GCIOBA,” another old boy, who is an Ibadan based politician, Mr Adeniyi Adeoti said.

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The late Odude served in the Intelligence Department, Zone 2, Lagos State as Deputy Commissioner of Police, CID, Panti, Yaba; he was Commissioner of Police, Administration; Department of Finance and Admin., Force Headquarters, Abuja.

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Lagos Govt Gives Computer Village Traders Ultimatum To Relocate To Katangowa

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The Lagos State Government has given traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja an 18-month deadline to move to a new permanent site at Katangowa, in the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement with market leaders and traders on Tuesday.

According to him, the state government has provided the necessary infrastructure and facilities at the Katangowa site to ensure a conducive business environment once the relocation takes effect.

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READ ALSO:Lagos Begins Monitoring As Schools Resume

The government wants your cooperation to ensure the relocation comes to pass. The time is now. We have to make the project a reality. The relocation period is 18 months,” Oki said.

He explained that Computer Village currently sits on land originally designated as a residential area, which over time was converted into a bustling commercial hub without formal approval from the government.

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Oki also revealed that plans to move traders from Ikeja to Katangowa have been in the works since 2006 but were stalled due to delays in completing the new site.

READ ALSO:Police Reveal Cause Of Death Of Bodies Found On Lagos Riverbank

Emphasizing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to inclusive governance, he noted that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to carry traders along in the government’s plans.

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“The governor is passionate about infrastructure development and the welfare of Lagosians. Katangowa has been designated as the permanent site for this market. It sits on 15 hectares of land, well-planned and strategically located near essential resources for your businesses.

“The present location in Ikeja was never meant to serve as a trading hub. What we are offering at Katangowa is a structured market environment that supports growth while addressing environmental and urban planning concerns. We want to work with you and jointly plan this relocation,” Oki said.

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