2025 | Page 247 of 262 | Trendbrio.com

Alleged N110b fraud: Why Yahaya Bello’s accomplice sought refund on property – Witness

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago05 mins

The trial of a former Kogi State governor, Yahya Adoza Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu continued on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court with the First Prosecution Witness, (PW1), Fabian Nwaora informing the court, that Yahaya Bello’s accomplice, Shehu Bello, opted for a refund from EFAB Property Limited, the sum of N550 million (Five Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) he paid for a property when he learned that the said property has come under the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and linked to Yahaya Bello. The witness, Chairman of EFAB Property Limited, further disclosed that the property Shehu Bello bought was located at No.1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, he narrated that “We put up a property for sale with a signboard of EFAB Property. That was in 2020. Shehu Bello came to my office and asked for the property. We discussed the price and we agreed on N550 million. He said he was going to come back the next day, I told him I was not going to be around on that day, then I introduced him to my General Manager (GM), Segun Adeleke. They both exchanged phone numbers. When I came back after one week, the GM reported to me that Shehu Bello had purchased the property. He brought the document for me to see on behalf of EFAB. The name on the agreement was Dr. Bello Ohiani not Shehu Bello. We signed and gave them back to sign and return a copy to us, no copy was returned. “After three years, Shehu Bello came back to me and said that the property was under investigation from the EFCC, he returned all the documents that I gave to him and said he would like to get his money back. I discussed it with my lawyer and he said since it was under investigation, they know that the EFCC will invite us,” he said. The witness further informed the court that they were invited by the EFCC to make statements and that his company, EFAB Property Limited was told by the Commission to pay in the money it received for the property to the EFCC’s account since the property was under investigation. “After writing the statement, the EFCC said the house was under investigation and that we should return the entire money to the EFCC account. They gave us the account number, we returned N400million, then the second batch we returned N150million. The house was marked, but when we returned the money, the EFCC said we can take over the house, since we have returned the money to them,” he said.

Max Air suspends domestic operations for 90 days

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The management of Max Air has suspended its operations for 90 days following one of the airline’s aircrafts that crash-landed on Tuesday night at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The plane with registration number 5N-MBD (B733), carrying 53 passengers and six crew members, was arriving from Lagos when the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 PM. The Max Air stated this in a statement on its official X handle formerly Twitter on Wednesday. The statement reads; “This is to inform the general public that Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for 90 days effective midnight 31st January 2025. This is to enable us to carry out internal operational evaluation. “The proactive measure demonstrates our unwavering commitment to passenger safety and service excellence. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority and we believe this voluntary suspension will allow us to exceed industry standards and restore public confidence in our operations. “All affected booked passengers during the suspension period are enjoined to receive full refunds. Our customer service team will be available to assist all the affected passengers. “We are actively working with the aviation authorities during this period to ensure that every statutory requirements are met in view of the foregoing, therefore, we deeply regret the temporary inconvenience this will cause our valued domestic customers. However, we believe this investment in safety and reliability will significantly enhance our service quality delivery for years to come. “Regular updates will be provided through our website and verified social media channels.”

Oriyomi Hamzat visits Prisons, donates gift items

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The Chairman of Agidigbo FM Nigeria and United Kingdom Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat has donated gift items to Agodi Correctional Centre. Hamzat, who was put behind bars along with Ooni of Ife ex-Queen Naomi Silekunola following a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan late last year, returned to the prison on Tuesday dole out gifts to the inmates. During the courtesy visit, Hamzat urged the inmates who would be released soon to add positive value to society. Meanwhile, the Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo state has adjourned the trial of the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdulahib Fasasi. The trio are facing four charges related to conspiracy, murder, manslaughter and negligence in connection with the deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held in Ibadan, Oyo State on December 18, 2024. Previously arraigned on a holden charge — a temporary legal mechanism not recognised under Nigerian law—they were remanded in custody but later released on bail following a High Court ruling.Nigerian travel destinations The case, which was scheduled for mention on Monday, was adjourned until March 24, 2025, by the Chief Magistrate.

Basketball: Rivers Hoopers stay unbeaten with victory over Ebun Comets

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago01 mins

Nigerian champions, Rivers Hoopers made it back-to-back wins in the ongoing Louis Edem Invitational Basketball Championship after a 70-48 victory over Ebun Comets on Tuesday. The KingsMen, who were on standby 24 hours earlier, struggled on the offensive end at the start of the first quarter. Buchi Nwaiwu contributed 8 points to give Hoopers a 2-point lead going to the break (34-32). Midway through the third quarter, Hoopers had built a double-digit lead, which was further stretched to 12 points with 4 minutes remaining. Two late three-pointers by Abel Offia and Toye Duro-Ladipo in the fourth extended the gap to 22 points. Rivers Hoopers will play against Police Batons in their next game on Wednesday.

Max Air with 53 passengers crashlands in Kano

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago01 mins

A Max Air aircraft with registration number 5N-MBD (B733) crash-landed on Tuesday night at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The plane, carrying 53 passengers and six crew members, was arriving from Lagos when the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 PM. Reports claimed no injuries or casualties were recorded. Malam Bello Ramalan, Max Air’s Kano Station Manager, confirmed that everyone onboard was safely evacuated. He explained that the airline is collaborating with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Aircraft and Equipment Department (AED) to determine the cause of the incident.

Sanwo-Olu gives contractor 12 months to complete 280-bed Ojo General Hospital

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago06 mins

The pace of work on the General Hospital project being constructed in Ojo town in Lagos State may improve rapidly, given Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s renewed commitment to push the project to completion. The Governor, on Tuesday, gave a 12-month deadline to the contractor handling the project when he led an on-the-spot tour of the project site to assess the progress of the construction work. Besides, the Governor also flagged off the construction of 27-block shopping complex along LASU-Iyana Iba Road. Sanwo-Olu, accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and members of the State cabinet, was received by Ojo residents led by their traditional leaders. Sited on 6.5 hectares along Lagos-Badagry corridor, the Ojo General Hospital is a 280-bed infrastructure being developed by the Sanwo-Olu administration to ramp up medical care in Lagos West Senatorial District. When completed, the multi-specialist hospital will be the biggest healthcare facility in the district, complementing other primary and secondary care facilities operating in the zone. The hospital borders Ojo military cantonment, Lagos State University and also Lagos Rail Mass Transit (BLUE LINE) infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu said the hospital was being developed to address inadequate medical facilities in the area, stressing that the infrastructure would bring about a new care experience for residents in the area. He said: “We have just taken a tour to see the construction work being carried out on this hospital project. Our word here is to encourage the contractor, who, we believe, is dealing with a big task, given the magnitude of the project. We will give the contractor all the support and encourage them to give their best. Whatever is to be done on our own part, we will fulfil our obligations. “Based on the pace of work, we are hoping the project should have been completed in the next 12 months, which means that the contractor should hand over the project by the end of the year. We will push everything to ensure that this task becomes a reality in the next 12 months. We extend our appreciation to stakeholders in the community for being part of this journey but we urge them to be patient while the construction continues.” Sanwo-Olu said when the project is completed, the hospital would be part of the infrastructure initiated by his administration to bring improvements to the Ojo area. Listing other ongoing projects in the area, the Governor noted that the hospital project had been sited in front of the Blue Line which will terminate at Okokomaiko. “There is a complete renewal of infrastructure in this axis, which shows that our Government is working to fulfil its promises to our residents in Ojo and Badagry Division,” Sanwo-Olu said. Aside from the medical departments, the project is being developed with four blocks of Doctors’ residence. The semi-detached accommodation comprises eight units of three-bedroom apartment in each block, making a total of 64 apartments. Facilities in the main hospital building will include delivery theatre and wards, paediatrics, pharmacy, Oncology and Gynaecology, Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care Unit, surgical wards, dialysis centre, administrative unit, and outpatient department The ancillary facilities include morgue, central laboratory, equipment storage facility, laundry, bank, engineering department and parking lot. Turning the sod to flag off the construction of the Platinum Shopping Complex, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is an attempt to achieve regeneration not only to improve infrastructure but also to reclaim the aesthetic properties of the environment and improve people’s lifestyles. All the infrastructure projects being sited in this area are designed to improve the socio-economic power of our citizens in this corridor.” The shopping complex is being developed by Almera Global Investment Services — a private developer— in collaboration with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), and Ojo Local Government Areas. The project will be constructed in four phases. Each block will have 30 shops, resulting in a total of 1,500 shops.

ECOWAS considers Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Economic Community of West African States have considered the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from the Commission. ECOWAS stated this in press statement issued and made available today (Wednesday), 29th January, 2025. The statement reads; “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interet of the, as well as sthe decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member State are requested and required to: “Recognise National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger until further notice. “Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countriesx in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy. “Allow Citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocals until further notice. “Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community. “These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of or future engagement with the three countries the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. “The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”

Al-Nassr reaches agreement to sign Victor Boniface

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

Al-Nassr have reached an agreement worth around €60m to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, according to Sky Germany. The Nigerian becomes the club’s second most expensive departure in their history after Kai Havertz’ move to Chelsea for €80m in 2020. Boniface has already passed a medical with the Saudi club and will earn a reported €15m per season. Although an official confirmation from the club’s is still pending, this transfer should be made official before Friday’s deadline. It’s brings an to Boniface’s time in Germany after joining Die Werkself from Union Saint-Gilloise for €21.7m in July 2022. In his 18 months at the club, Boniface has scored 29 goals and created 11 in 49 games across all competitions, but has also missed a substantial amount through injury. Although not a like-for-like replacement, Bayer 04 are working on a deal to sign Aston Villa’s Emil Buendia on loan for the remainder of the season with a reported purchase option, while Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is also an option for the Bundesliga champions.