Yahaya Bello’s Media Team Insists He Was at EFCC Amid Conflicting Statements

The media team of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has reiterated that he was present at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, despite conflicting statements from the anti-graft agency.

Earlier, Bello’s team reported that he attended the EFCC office voluntarily, following consultations with his legal team and political associates. However, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale denied that Bello was in their custody, asserting that he remains a wanted individual.

In a follow-up statement, the Director of Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael, clarified that Bello was indeed at the EFCC office. Michael stated that while the former governor was not interrogated, he was informed that he was free to leave. Bello was accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Michael emphasized that the visit was in compliance with the EFCC’s invitation and aimed at clearing Bello’s name, asserting that he has nothing to hide. The media team remains uncertain about the implications of the EFCC’s response but maintains that Bello’s presence at the office was factual and in pursuit of due process.

Michy Batshuayi on Victor Osimhen’s Arrival at Galatasaray

Galatasaray striker Michy Batshuayi has addressed concerns about potential rivalry following the arrival of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen at the club. Despite speculations about competition among the attacking trio of Batshuayi, Osimhen, and Mauro Icardi, who is currently dealing with fitness issues, Batshuayi has emphasized the unity and collective focus within the team.

In a statement to the club’s official website, Batshuayi expressed his excitement about Osimhen joining the squad. He remarked, “There are three great forwards, all three of us are here to contribute to Galatasaray. Of course, the important thing here is the victories that Galatasaray will win. We have all found harmony together and we need to carry Galatasaray towards victories.”

The integration of Osimhen into the squad is expected to enhance Galatasaray’s attacking strength for the season. As the team prepares for the upcoming Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce, the trio of forwards, including Osimhen, is set to play a crucial role in aiming for a significant impact and achieving success for the club.

Nigerian Troops Achieve Success Against Terrorists in Kaduna

On September 17, 2024, the Nigerian Army reported significant successes in their ongoing battle against terrorism in Kaduna State. During a covert operation, troops intercepted terrorists moving from Alawa Forest in Niger State to Birnin Gwari. The ambush led to an intense gunfight, resulting in the death of two terrorists, with others managing to flee. The soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, and three motorcycles from the scene.

In another operation in Hayin Nakwakina village, Giwa Local Government Area, troops engaged terrorists in an ambush, neutralizing two of them and restoring order in the village, which had previously been displaced by the attackers. The recovery included two motorcycles, a mobile phone, and machetes.

A major highlight of the day was the rescue of 20 hostages who had been taken by terrorists along the Kwaga-Polewire route in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. Following a distress signal, the military conducted a successful operation that forced the terrorists to retreat, allowing the hostages to be safely reunited with their families.

The Nigerian Army has expressed gratitude for public support and information that aids their operations, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism, insurgency, and economic sabotage in the country.

Controversy Surrounds Yahaya Bello’s Visit to EFCC Headquarters

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s recent visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters has sparked controversy. While Bello’s media team claims he voluntarily visited the EFCC to clear his name of corruption allegations, the anti-graft agency denies this and insists he remains a wanted person.

According to a statement from the Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael, the former governor honored the EFCC’s invitation following consultations with his legal team and political allies. Michael emphasized that Bello, respecting the rule of law, was determined to clear his name.

However, the EFCC contradicted this, with its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, asserting that Bello was neither in the agency’s custody nor had he been interrogated. The EFCC reiterated that Bello remains wanted on charges of money laundering amounting to over N80 billion, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.

Bello’s team maintains that he was not interrogated and left the EFCC office, accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. The EFCC has charged Bello and three others with 19 counts of money laundering.

The conflicting accounts raise questions about the former governor’s legal standing and the next steps in the case.

CBN Set to Reintroduce Cybersecurity Levy on Electronic Transactions, Reduces Rate

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced plans to reintroduce the controversial Cybersecurity Levy on electronic transactions, as part of its Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for 2024-2025. The levy, initially introduced in May 2024, faced backlash due to the financial burden it placed on Nigerians.

In the revised guidelines, the CBN has significantly reduced the levy from 0.5% to 0.005%. The levy is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity infrastructure, in line with the amended Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2024.

Banks and other financial institutions are expected to deduct the levy from all electronic transactions. While the CBN has not yet set a date for the reintroduction of the charge, this policy comes after its suspension earlier this year, following public outcry and an order from President Bola Tinubu for a review.

The initial announcement of the levy in May sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians lamenting the additional financial strain amidst ongoing economic challenges.

Court to Rule on Suit Seeking Ganduje’s Removal as APC Chairman on September 23

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 23, 2024, to deliver its judgment on a suit challenging Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje’s position as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Originally set for judgment on September 18, the ruling was postponed as the court was not ready. The new date was communicated to the parties involved.

The North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, filed the suit, arguing that Ganduje’s appointment violates the party’s constitution as he is from Kano State in the North West, not the North Central zone. They claim that this appointment breaches Article 31.5(1) f of the APC constitution.

The plaintiffs seek an order barring Ganduje from continuing as APC chairman and preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing any actions taken by the APC since his appointment in August 2023.

Italy Mourns Football Legend Salvatore Schillaci, 1990 World Cup Hero

The football world is mourning the loss of Italian football icon, Salvatore Schillaci, affectionately known as ‘Toto,’ who passed away at the age of 59 after a battle with colon cancer. Schillaci, the top scorer of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, died on September 18, 2024, as confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022, Schillaci’s health had been deteriorating over the past two years. Gabriele Gravina, President of the FIGC, paid tribute, recalling Schillaci as a symbol of passion and resilience who brought joy to football fans across Italy.

Schillaci’s career reached its pinnacle during the 1990 World Cup, where his six goals earned him the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, making him a national hero. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also praised the football legend, acknowledging the indelible impact he left on Italian sports and the emotions he sparked during the magical nights of Italia ’90.

Schillaci’s legacy is further celebrated by clubs like Juventus and Inter Milan, where he played with passion and determination. Juventus released a statement, remembering how Schillaci’s energy and enthusiasm captivated the nation during the unforgettable summer of 1990.

UK Invests £1.9m in West Africa to Boost Economic Growth Through Innovation

The UK government, through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), has launched a new initiative called “Sankore” aimed at enhancing economic growth across West Africa. The project, which will focus on strengthening technology and innovation in collaboration with governments in the region, was announced by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during a press conference in Accra.

Sankore, named after a historical West African learning center, will provide up to £1.9 million in funding to non-profit organizations, including UN agencies in Nigeria and Ghana, to develop innovative solutions. The initiative aims to improve science, technology, and innovation policies, promote commercialisation, and boost government digital services.

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Uche Nnaji, highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing Nigeria’s innovation landscape, while the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, emphasized the UK’s commitment to driving sustainable development and fostering collaboration between businesses and innovators.

Yahaya Bello honours EFCC invitation, says nothing to hide

The EFCC seems to be walking a fine line with the handling of Yahaya Bello’s case. Offering him the option to be interrogated privately in the EFCC office, rather than with the presence of the media, is clearly a strategic move to reduce the political optics of the situation. However, Bello’s insistence on being questioned in his village suggests he’s either trying to maintain a narrative of victimization or hoping to avoid any scenario that might further implicate him in the alleged misconduct.

The specific mention of $720,000 being funneled through a bureau de change for personal reasons, such as paying school fees, raises serious questions about misuse of public funds. Whether the EFCC will pursue these allegations with the required level of professionalism remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the political and public perception will play a major role in how this unfolds.

Bello’s media team, as expected, continues to push back, invoking his rights as a citizen, which points to the possibility that this case could escalate further, possibly into a public showdown between both parties. The EFCC’s silence at this stage is interesting; their response, or lack thereof, will likely shape the direction of this narrative.

NSCDC Deploys Over 6,400 Personnel for Edo Governorship Election

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assigned 6,433 operatives to ensure the security of the Edo Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday. NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment, quoting Commandant General (CG) Dr. Ahmed Audi. Audi urged the personnel to remain neutral and professional during their duties, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

The deployed officers, drawn from special forces, intelligence units, and anti-vandal squads, will work with other security agencies to maintain peace. Audi also advised citizens to avoid violence and electoral malpractice.