Federal High Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial To January 2026

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to January 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing. Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the new date after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) seventh prosecution witness, Olomotame Egoro, could not complete his testimony on Tuesday. Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, was being led in evidence by EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN). During the proceedings, Pinheiro sought to tender several documents marked as Exhibits 33 (1–11) and 34. However, Bello’s lead counsel, Abdullahi Yahaya (SAN), objected, arguing that the documents had not been disclosed to the defence team and that the certificate of identification attached was signed by one Faruk Idiaro, not the witness in court. Yahaya further claimed that the documents were different from those listed in the proof of evidence served on the defence. In response, Pinheiro maintained that the certificate’s signatory was not material to the authenticity of the documents and urged the court to stand down the matter briefly so both sides could cross-check the records. The court granted the request and directed both parties to reconcile the discrepancies before resuming. When the trial resumed, Egoro continued his testimony, explaining the contents of the Kogi State Government House Administration’s bank statement covering December 2018 to August 2021. He identified cash withdrawals and deposits, including ₦50 million paid to one Aminu J.O. in ₦10 million tranches on December 21, 2018, and multiple withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu on August 1, 2019. The witness also reviewed Exhibit 33-8, a statement of Fazac Business Enterprise’s account from January 2019 to December 2022, confirming several inflows from local government accounts across the state. The transactions included deposits ranging between ₦4.49 million and ₦14.45 million on May 6, 2022, and two additional inflows of ₦7.12 million and ₦9.4 million on May 9, 2022. Following hours of testimony, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 29 and 30, and February 4 and 5, 2026, for continuation of trial. It would be recalled that at the previous sitting, the EFCC’s fourth prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, testified that the Kogi State Government’s withdrawals did not violate any banking laws. Bata also confirmed that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear as a beneficiary in the accounts linked to the transactions presented by the anti-graft agency.

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Wike Says He Won’t Be Intimidated By Military Officer In Abuja Land Dispute

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to succumb to intimidation or blackmail following a confrontation with an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja. Speaking to journalists after the clash on Tuesday, Wike described the situation as “unfortunate,” saying the altercation stemmed from efforts by the FCT Administration to stop illegal developments in the area. According to him, his team had gone to enforce directives issued by his office when soldiers reportedly intervened to stop the operation. “When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate.” The minister expressed concern that the officer involved appeared to be using his military status to intimidate government officials, stressing that such behavior was unacceptable. “I do not understand how somebody who attained that position sees that he has a problem and cannot approach my office to say, ‘look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he is a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike stated. He further challenged the officer to present valid documentation proving ownership of the disputed property. “Where are the documents? I said, bring the documents. You don’t have approval for building, you don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country?” he asked. Wike confirmed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him that the matter would be addressed appropriately. “We are not here to cause chaos, but I must say I will not allow this illegal development to continue just because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff,” he said. A video circulating online showed Wike confronting the officer and accusing him of using the military to unlawfully seize land. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” the minister was heard saying. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified efforts to tackle illegal land acquisitions and unauthorized developments across Abuja, insisting that the capital’s master plan must be strictly restored and maintained.

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Sammy West’s Wife Marks Their Second Wedding Anniversary Shortly After His Release

Just hours after his release, Samuel Ojeogwu, popularly known as Sammy West and the elder brother of actress Regina Daniels, and his wife celebrated their second wedding anniversary. The couple, who tied the knot on November 11, 2023, shared a heartfelt family photo on social media to mark the occasion. In a touching Instagram post, Sammy West’s wife reflected on their journey together, writing: “Exactly 2 years ago, Nov 11, 2023, we said ‘I do’ — not just to a wedding, but to a lifetime of showing up for each other. Marriage is more than a ceremony or a title. It’s a daily choice: to love when it’s easy and when it’s not, to communicate when words feel heavy, to forgive quickly, to laugh often, and to keep growing together.” She described their first two years as full of lessons, laughter, late-night talks, and quiet prayers, noting the challenges they overcame and the moments that strengthened their bond. “We’ve faced tests that reminded us how powerful love can be when two people share the same vision — not for perfection, but for partnership,” she added. Addressing her husband, she expressed gratitude and admiration: “To my partner Samuel Ojeogwu (Sammy West), my strong man, my fighter, my best friend, my answered prayer — thank you for choosing me every day, for loving me with patience, for walking beside me with faith, and for making these first years more beautiful than I could have imagined.” She concluded with a message of hope for the future: “Two years down, forever to go. I’m amazed at how love keeps evolving, deepening, and teaching me that the best kind of love doesn’t just make you feel special, it makes you feel safe. Here’s to the years ahead, the dreams we’ll chase, the memories we’ll make, and the love that keeps growing stronger. If this is just the beginning, I can only imagine how beautiful the rest of forever will be. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABE. Wifey ♥️” Fans and well-wishers flooded social media with congratulations, celebrating both their enduring love and the timing of the anniversary, which came shortly after Sammy West’s release. The couple’s display of affection highlighted a marriage grounded in commitment, partnership, and shared values, proving that true love thrives through patience, understanding, and daily effort.   View this post on Instagram  

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NAFDAC To Enforce Ban On Sachet And Small PET Bottle Alcohol From January 2026

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that it will begin enforcing the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small PET bottles from January 2026. Speaking in Abuja, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye said the agency is committed to protecting public health, emphasizing that safeguarding Nigerians’ well-being is a top priority. The ban targets the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles with capacities under 200ml, with full compliance expected by December 2025. The move follows a Senate directive and has the backing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Adeyeye noted that small, inexpensive containers of high-alcohol drinks are easily concealable and contribute to misuse and addiction, particularly among minors and commercial drivers. She added that their widespread availability has been linked to domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social problems affecting families and communities. She recalled that in December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission signed a five-year agreement with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria. The original deadline of January 2024 was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers time to adjust production and deplete existing stock. Adeyeye said the ban aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol and is intended to protect, not punish. She stressed that the health and future of children and young adults must take precedence over short-term economic gains. Only spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small PET or glass bottles under 200ml are affected by the ban. Adeyeye urged all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply with the December 2025 deadline, warning that no further extensions will be granted. She added that NAFDAC will collaborate with the Ministry of Health, the FCCPC, and the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of alcohol misuse, reaffirming the agency’s mission to ensure Nigerians have access only to safe and properly regulated products.

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Enugu Woman Arraigned For Falsely Accusing Husband Of Sexually Abusing Their Two Daughters

A 29-year-old woman, Chisom Okonkwo, has been arraigned at an Enugu Magistrate Court for allegedly defaming her husband, Ozioma Okonkwo, and giving false information to the police by claiming he sexually abused their two young daughters. According to a charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the alleged offences occurred in August 2024 at Adoration Junction, opposite Dan-Legal Hotel, Emene, Enugu State. The police stated that Chisom “defamed the character of one Okonkwo Ozioma by shouting in public that he defiled her two daughters, exposing him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule, and damaging his reputation.” The charges violate Section 323 and are punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004. Investigations revealed that Ozioma Okonkwo was arrested on October 25, 2025, following Chisom’s allegations that he sexually abused their daughters, aged 2 and 5, amid a marital dispute. However, medical examinations found no evidence of abuse, leading to his release. In a second count, Chisom is accused of giving false information to detectives at the State Intelligence Department (SID), Enugu, on October 27, 2025. The police said she “provided false information that Okonkwo Ozioma defiled their two daughters, which led to his arrest and detention, knowing the claims were false and misleading officers into taking actions they otherwise would not have taken.” This second offence is punishable under Section 154(1)(a) & (b) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004. As of the time of reporting, details regarding Chisom’s plea, bail, and upcoming court proceedings have not been made public.

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Wike Clashes With Military Officer Over Alleged Land Encroachment in Abuja

A heated confrontation took place on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja’s Gaduwa District. A video obtained by our correspondent showed Wike accusing the officer of unlawfully taking possession of a plot of land. The minister challenged the officer, questioning why the military would claim ownership simply because the property was once linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike demanded. The officer, dressed in military camouflage, insisted that his acquisition of the land was legal and carried out with integrity. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said. Wike, visibly angry, ordered the officer to be quiet, prompting the officer to respond, “I will not shut up.” The minister shot back: “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.” The officer maintained that he was deployed to the site on official orders, but Wike escalated the exchange: “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.” As of press time, neither the military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued an official statement regarding the incident. Land disputes and illegal allocations remain a recurring problem in Abuja. Since taking office in August 2023, Wike has stepped up efforts to curb unauthorised land acquisition, illegal property development, and encroachments, ordering demolitions of illegal structures to enforce the Abuja Master Plan. Soldiers, Wike, FCTA officials, go physical to gain access to land in Abuja Soldiers Stop Wike, FCTA Officials From Gaining Access To Land I can not believe Wike is crying lol 😆 pic.twitter.com/If4ArIs17J — Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) November 11, 2025

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Simi’s Duduke Achieves Gold In New Zealand, Marks Her First Global Milestone

Nigerian singer Simi has bagged her first international award as her hit track “Duduke” earns a Gold certification in New Zealand for selling 15,000 units. Released in 2020, “Duduke” quickly became a fan favorite, with its sweet melody and heartfelt lyrics capturing the attention of listeners worldwide. The song’s popularity extended beyond music, influencing pop culture and solidifying Simi’s place in fans’ hearts across the globe. The Gold certification in New Zealand highlights the global reach of Nigerian Afro-pop and opens doors for Simi to explore international collaborations and expand her presence in the global music scene. This milestone is a testament to the growing influence of African music worldwide and marks an exciting new chapter in Simi’s career.

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Kizz Daniel Breaks Silence After Fans Protest Over No-Show

Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel has addressed the controversy surrounding his missed performance at a recent Paris show, an incident that sparked outrage and protests from fans. Videos from the event showed attendees loudly expressing their frustration, with some confronting the singer and his team. Breaking his silence on X, Kizz Daniel clarified that the situation was beyond his control, stemming from a dispute between his tour agent, @olamidebaron, and the show promoter. He explained: “FSHALAYE. First, this wasn’t my fault. Whatever clips you’re seeing is a dispute between my tour agent @olamidebaron and the show promoter. I was paid in full by @olamidebaron to perform in Paris. He sold the show to another promoter, who allegedly breached the contract by not paying the balance. I will be posting the notice of breach of contract.” Kizz Daniel also shared official letters from Baron’s company confirming the cancellation of the show. In further posts, he provided a detailed account of the logistical issues that prevented him from performing. “I was ready since 6 am for a 12:25 pm flight. Thankfully, my brother @adesope_shopsydoo was with me at the hotel. We were delayed from flying by @olamidebaron so he could secure his payment, which I wasn’t aware of until later. The issue was eventually resolved with the promoter, but we missed our flight. The next available flight, according to Baron, was at 5:25 pm,” he explained. Kizz Daniel emphasized that he was fully prepared to perform and that the missed show was not due to negligence or lack of commitment on his part. He stressed that contractual and financial disputes between his agent and the promoter caused the delay, which led to the uproar and protests from fans. By sharing evidence and a detailed account of the events, Kizz Daniel aimed to clarify his side of the story, reassure his fans, and protect his professional reputation after the Paris performance controversy.

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