Alleged fraud: Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello’s name not in bank account transaction documents – EFCC witness
Alleged fraud: Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello’s name not in bank account transaction documents – EFCC witness
Mrs Abimbola Williams, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, on Thursday, said that former Gov. Yahaya Bello’s name did not feature on the Kogi Government House Bank account.
Williams told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja during cross examination by the former governor’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, in the ongoing money laundering trial.
Williams, who was the 2nd prosecution witness (PW-2) in the trial, also said that she was not the United Bank for Africa (UBA)’s account officer for the government house account.
Earlier when the matter was called, the EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the court that their PW-2, Abimbola Williams, who was on subpoena, was in court to give her evidence.
Williams, a Compliant Officer with UBA, confirmed to the court that a further subpoena was served on the bank.
Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the subpoena in evidence and marked it ‘Exhibit 7’ after Daudu did not oppose Pinhero’s application to tender the document.
The suboeana, according to the prosecution, requested for the production of the statements of account of Maselina Njoku, from Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2020.
The witness confirmed that it was the request from the bank, adding that a certificate of compliance was also issued.
While being led in evidence by Pinherio, Williams confirmed 10 withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu, in the sum of N10 million each on Dec. 12, 2018.
She said the withdrawals were done with cheques and presented across the counter.
The PW-2, however, confirmed during cross-examination by Daudu, that the former Governor’s name did not feature in the opening and management of the said Kogi Government House Bank account.
She also agreed that the account is domiciled in Lokoja, the state’s capital and not Area 3, Abuja, where she works.
She agreed that a compliant officer, her duty involves protecting the integrity of the bank from legal penalty, reputational damage and financial losses.
The witness mentioned the names of the three signatories on the account, including Alhaji Yakubu Ismail, who was said to be a permanent secretary.
“Now, in both the account opening documents and the statements of account from Exhibits ‘E1 to E72,’ does the name, ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere?” the senior lawyer asked Williams.
“No, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature,” the witness responded.
Daudu again asked, “Please look at Exhibits 2P1 to 2P62, does the name ‘Yahaya Bello’ appear anywhere in the document?”
“My Lord, the name Yahaya Bello does not feature on the exhibits,” the witness answered.
Pinhero, however, moved to re-examine the witness but Daudu objected.
After a brief argument, Justice Nwite directed Pinhero to go on with the re-examination.
The EFCC’s lawyer then asked the witness if she was familiar with the signature on the document that carried the name, Edward Bananga, and she responded in the affirmative.
The PW-2 said she signed the documents on behalf of one Edward Bananga.
Responding, Daudu also applied to cross examine the witness but Pinhero disagreed.
“My Lord, the witness initially disowned the signature, but under re-examination, the prosecution led her to admit it.
“Therefore, I have the right to challenge that admission and prove that her claim regarding the signature is incorrect,” Daudu told the court.
According to him, cross examination is meant to prove the accuracy or veracity of the witness.
“I am entitled to disprove what she said. This is in the interest of justice,” Daudu added, and the judge allowed his argument.
The defence lawyer then asked the witness to read the document in dispute.
Reading from the document, she said, “I Edward Bananga hereby certified and confirmed that……”
Responding Daudu said: “I put it to you that you are not Edward Bananga.”
“I am not Edward Bananga, my lord,” the witness answered.
The prosecution also called another witness, Nicholas Ohehomon, from the American International School (AIS), as 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3).
He was also led in evidence by Pinherio, the anti-graft agency’s lawyer.
The exhibits tendered included the school’s statements of account, admission letters of the children of the defendant and payment receipts.
The witness confirmed the different classes the children were admitted into.
Exhibit 12P was also tendered, which was a contractual agreement for post-paid school fees for the children.
The prosecution tendered a letter from the EFCC to AIS, Abuja, through the court registrar.
The court marked it as Exhibit 18 and an account provided by the EFCC for a refund.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 7 for continuation of trial.(NAN)
Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, issued the statement on behalf of the governor, declaring that Emelube’s election was illegal.
Nwabunwanne clarified that the election was conducted while a court case regarding the traditional rulership process was still pending, rendering the election invalid and not recognized by the state government.
The Commissioner further explained that there is no official traditional ruler or Igwe cabinet in Oba due to the ongoing legal matter concerning the election’s legitimacy.
Reacting to the governor’s decision, Chukwuma Ananti, a rival contestant in the disputed election, applauded the move.
He praised the governor for halting Emelube’s claim to the throne, urging for the full implementation of a consent judgment, which stipulates that the Oba monarch election must follow a zoning arrangement.
Ananti also called for the immediate suspension of the community’s president-general, accusing him of bias in the election process.
“The Oba Igweship election was supposed to be concluded according to the zoning agreement, as per the consent judgment. Despite this, the president-general ignored the court’s directive and proceeded with an illegal election,” Ananti told reporters.
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First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu reacts to s3xual harassment allegations rocking Senate
First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu reacts to s3xual harassment allegations rocking Senate
AThe First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says the senate is taking the necessary steps over the sexual harassment allegations by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
While reacting to the raging issue in Abuja on Thursday, Mrs Tinubu said that the senate, being the apex legislative chamber in the country, should not be a place where such things should happen.
“I know what is going on in the Senate; you will say why am I not taking a position; I believe that the senate is doing what is needful.
‘This is because the senate is a mature chamber and it should be treated with respect.
“It is also an honour for anyone who happens to be there; I was there for 12 years,” she said.
Meanwhile, the senate has suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over what it called ‘total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023, as amended’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, led by Sen. Neda Imaseun, during the plenary. (NAN)
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Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Dr Ibrahim Wada, a medical expert, has suggested that advancements in modern medicine could extend human lifespan by up to 250 years within the next 40 years.
Wada, Founder of Nisa Medical Group, made this assertion while delivering the Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture Series at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) on Thursday.
Speaking as the guest lecturer on the topic ‘The Longevity of Man,’ Wada stated that such feat could be realised as scientists continued to make rapid progress in medical technology and genetic engineering.
He highlighted the breakthroughs in genetic science that have enabled researchers to create artificial eggs and sperm from human saliva, which could then be used to grow babies in artificial wombs.
“This technology has already produced live rats. It is only a matter of time before humans benefit from similar advancements,” he disclosed.
Wada, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi, further emphasised the potential of stem cells, artificial organs, and genetic reprogramming in prolonging human life.
According to him, science has now reached a stage where human genetic codes can be understood and manipulated to enhance longevity.
“Recreating stem cells from a person’s genes and reintroducing them into the body can regenerate dead cells and significantly extend lifespan.
“In another 30 to 40 years, it will be normal for individuals to expect to live for 200 or even 250 years.
“This will happen because humanity has now entered the age of computer reprogramming,” he added.
Wada lamented the fact that such advanced medical technologies are not yet available in Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate rest in achieving longevity.
“Rest is essential for brain function. So, when it is time to rest, you must allow the brain to rest – no compromise,” Wada advised.
Reflecting on the legacy of Prof. Briggs, UNIPORT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described Briggs as a visionary leader, philanthropist, and academic giant.
He questioned whether longevity was merely a measure of biological persistence or encompasses something more profound.
“This is because it is not the breath we take, but the fire we ignite,” Georgewill remarked.
Prof. Ngozi Orazulike, Chair Occupant of the Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, noted that Briggs made immense contributions to the medical and teaching professions.
She stated that the late medical icon had a multifaceted career as a doctor, teacher, researcher, mentor, and philanthropist.
In response, the late icon’s son, Nima Briggs, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition of his father’s contributions in the country.
“It is humbling to see my father’s legacy live on, with events still being organised to honour his memory,” Briggs concluded. (NAN)