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Breaking: Bello, alongside his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. Following the plea, Daudu urged the court to consider the bail application filed on November 22, asserting that his client is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. According to Bello’s counsel, granting bail would enable the former governor to prepare an adequate defense. The defense also claimed Bello’s court appearance was in compliance with a summons issued against him and that he only received the charges late on November 26. However, the EFCC contended that the bail application was premature since it was filed before the defendants’ formal arraignment. “This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants. Bail applications can only be heard after arraignment,” Pinheiro stated. The case revolves around allegations of N110 billion fraud involving state funds. The EFCC accused Bello of diverting funds to acquire several properties, including: No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million); No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja (N100 million); No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million); Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million);
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the leadership of Sylvester (Sly) Ezeokenwa as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, also imposed a ₦20 million fine against Edozie Njoku for filing a frivolous suit at the FCT High Court in Bwari.
The decision comes shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained Njoku from presenting himself as the party’s chairman.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that there was no valid court order, including any from the Supreme Court, recognizing Njoku’s leadership.
The leadership tussle in APGA has been a long-standing issue. Njoku’s faction had earlier been listed on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website, replacing Ezeokenwa and his executive officers.
APGA and Ezeokenwa filed a suit challenging this decision, arguing that Njoku’s claim lacked legal backing.
The Supreme Court’s decision resolves a major controversy within APGA, restoring stability to the party’s leadership.
The apex court also directed INEC to restore the names of Ezeokenwa and his team as the rightful national executive officers of APGA.
