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Emefiele,Associates Acquired 753-Duplex Estate With Forex kickbacks

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  Court papers filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have linked the immediate-past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to the massive Abuja property with 753 duplexes and other apartments located in the Cadastral Zone area of the capital city. The anti-graft agency on Monday announced the recovery of the property from an unnamed ex-government top brass, describing the property as the biggest single recovery it had made in the course of fighting corruption since its establishment in 2003. The recovery followed a ruling delivered on December 2, 2024 by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in Apo. In the court documents obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, the EFCC ran a narration linking Emefiele to the massive property spanning 150,500 square metre and identified as Plot 109, Cadazral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. Emefiele is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC in three separate cases before different judges. Before Justice Hamza Mu’azu, he is being tried for procurement fraud, forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature, and other charges. Before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, Emefiele is charged with alleged fraud involving $4.5bn and N2.8bn. Additionally, Emefiele is before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja for allegedly approving the printing of N684.5m notes at the cost of N18.96bn. According to the document, Emefiele allegedly carried out “monumental fraud” as the CBN governor with his cronies to acquire several properties including the estate. “The commission whilst investigating the alleged monumental fraud carried out by the immediate past Governor of the CBN and his cronies traced and discovered several properties reasonably suspected to have been acquired and or developed with proceeds of unlawful activities. “The property highlighted in Schedule A to this application is one of the said properties recovered, having been reasonably suspected to have been acquired/ developed with proceeds of unlawful activities.” The EFCC alleged that “in the cause of this investigation, it was revealed that the erstwhile CBN governor negotiated kickbacks in return for allocation of foreign exchange to some companies who were in desperate need of foreign exchange for their lawful and legitimate businesses. “Our investigation equally revealed that erstwhile CBN Governor received kickbacks from some contractors who were awarded contracts by the Central Bank of Nigeria.” The anti-graft agency also alleged that Emefiele connived with several cronies, including one Ifeanyi Omeke, who “ran several errands for him, which included purchase and perfection of title documents for several properties located in highbrow areas of Lagos and Abuja.” It said the documents for the Abuja property were recovered during a search of Omeke’s office and that investigators located the property on September 17, 2024 “with the assistance of a surveyor from the Abuja Geographical Information Systems, using search results and coordinate.” The EFCC said its investigation “revealed that the said property has been abandoned and deserted with only a guard manning the said property since June 2023 upon the arrest of the erstwhile CBN Governor. “ The PUNCH reported that the Department of State Services arrested Emefiele in Lagos the following day he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu. In October, the EFCC arrested Emefiele in less than an hour he regained his freedom from the DSS. According to the EFCC, the massive property, allegedly acquired by Emefiele, through cronies, was originally meant for a mass housing development. The EFCC said its investigation revealed that Emefiele used three companies to pay a total of N2.2bn to buy the property. It said the seller “received the aggregate sum of N2,200,000,000.00,” adding that “the said three companies used for the payment of the property are enmeshed in criminal maneuvering of layering proceeds of illegal activities of Mr. Godwin Emiefele.” According to the EFCC, one of the companies was used to pay N900m, the second paid N700m, while the third paid N600m, totalling N2.2bn. It said the directors of the companies were arrested “and their statements voluntarily obtained in the course of investigation.” “The funds used in the acquisition of the property highlighted in Schedule A to this application are not legitimate earnings of Godwin Emefiele but funds acquired through illegal and unlawful activities. “That I know as a fact and verily believe that the source/origin of the funds used in the acquisition and/or development of the properties sought to be forfeited are proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: corrupt enrichment, receiving of gratification or kickbacks and abuse of office,” an EFCC investigator stated in the affidavit filed in court. The EFCC noted that the court had on November 1, 2024 made an order for the temporary forfeiture of the property “after evaluating facts placed before it.” It, therefore, urged the judge to order the permanent forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government as no one had come forward to challenge the facts placed before the court, in spite of adverting the interim forfeiture order in The PUNCH edition of November 6, 2024. According to the EFCC, the court acceded to its request and has now permanently forfeited the property to the Federal Government. Efforts to get the reaction of Emefiele’s legal team were unsuccessfuly. One of the lawyers, Matthew Burkaa( SAN), did not pick up calls to his line and had also yet to respond to a text message seeking Emefiele’s side of the story as of the time of filing this report. ‘Why EFCC concealed property owner’s identity’ Meanwhile, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, defended the decision by the anti-graft agency not to reveal the identity of the owner of the property to the public. He was responding to public criticisms on the motive behind concealing the identity. “The allegation of a cover-up of the identity of the promoters of the estate stands logic on the head in the sense that the proceedings for the forfeiture of the Estate were in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which is a civil proceeding that allows for action-in-rem rather … Read more

Makinde Appoints Akinwande As Special Adviser, Fire Service Agency Chairman

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  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has appointed a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Moruf Akinwande as his Special Adviser on Fire Service Reforms. The governor, in an appointment letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, also designated Akinwande as the Chairman of the Fire Services Agency of Oyo State. The governor’s Special Assistant (Print Media), Moses Alao, said this in a statement on Tuesday, December 3. The appointment takes immediate effect. The governor charged the new appointee to discharge his duties with dedication, commitment and loyalty to the state. Akinwande represented Oyo West/Oyo East/Afijio/Atiba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007. He equally served as the Chairman of the Oyo State Water Corporation between 2022 and 2023.  

Prices Of food Will Increase In December – Transporters Warns Nigerians

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Nigerians are facing increasing hardship, and foodstuff transporters, under the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN), have warned that food prices will skyrocket in December. In an interview with Vanguard, the National President of AUFCDN, Mohammed Tahir, explained that the rising costs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel, combined with daily extortion and double taxation on federal highways, are severely impacting foodstuff transporters. Tahir said, “Each trailer-load of rice, beans, corn, and other commodities from Sokoto to Port Harcourt costs N2.25 million. The same amount is spent to transport goods to other parts of the South.” He warned that the cost of food will escalate as the Christmas season approaches, worsening the already significant hardship Nigerians are facing. “The price increase will continue into the New Year,” he added. The high transportation costs are compounded by double taxation, with local and state government revenue collectors setting up roadblocks, security agencies and “agberos” (street extortionists), and additional fees at markets. Tahir noted that regions such as the South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West are particularly problematic, with reports of drivers and motor-boys being harassed and even beaten. He also expressed frustration that the government has not engaged with foodstuff transporters to address these issues, despite their vital role in feeding the nation. “We have not received any invitation to discuss our challenges as major stakeholders in the food system,” he lamented. Many members of the union have stopped transporting foodstuff due to the high cost of doing business. “How they are surviving is another issue,” Tahir said. “There has been no intervention for foodstuff transporters by any administration.” Despite the severe difficulties, Tahir emphasized that the union does not want to go on strike, understanding the impact it would have on vulnerable Nigerians. “If we stop transporting foodstuff, it would paralyze the entire country,” he warned, urging the government to intervene urgently to alleviate their burden and ensure the continued flow of food supplies.

Oyo Govt Approves Over 70% Budget Increase for Persons With Disabilities

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  The Oyo State Government has increased the 2025 capital budgetary allocation for Persons with Disabilities by over 70 per cent of what they received in 2024. The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, disclosed this in Ibadan, during the celebration of the 2024 Stakeholders summit and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal spoke on how the government has fared with the welfare of the disability community in his over four-year administration. He noted that all the requests of the persons with disabilities for the next year budget plans as submitted during the last Budget Town Hall meetings formed the increase of their capital budget to N877,500,000. The Governor added that their capital budget was initially N492,000,000, while the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ overhead cost has increased from N315,000,000 to N345,000,000. “It is believed that both will take care of their requests which include Transportation empowerment, training of relevant Agency with what their roles will be for the persons with disabilities, training of enforcement Agencies for compliance, purchase of Assistive devices, mobility equipments among others.” The governor added that Oyo State has recruited 510 persons with disabilities into Oyo State Civil Service. He added, “I have also given directive that henceforth, in every ministry the quota of the persons with disabilities must be protected.” Makinde recalled that, as soon as he assumed office on May 29, 2023, he appointed Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi as the pioneer Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Makinde said he equally appointed Mr. Timothy Olufemi as the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters to ensure that PWDs are carried along in governance. His words, “And when God granted me the grace of a second term, I reappointed Barrister Adekanmbi again but this time as the Pioneer Director General, Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities and I gave him the mandate to draw a budget line for the Agency, to find a suitable and conducive office environment to use, and to see to the redeployment of staff to kick-start the Agency for persons with Disabilities. I am glad to inform you that all these have been done within 1 year and 6 months of Omituntun 2.0.” He said, “Presently as we speak, disability cluster groups’ grants and subvention have been approved, and in no distant time, three operational vehicles will be delivered for the smooth running of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.” Speaking further, Makinde said, “It is on the record that I am the first Governor to politically empower persons with disabilities by appointing them as Supervisory Councilors and SAs across the entire Local Governments of Oyo State, which was what made us stand out as an all inclusive government all over the country.” Speaking earlier, the Director-General, Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi said the administration of governor Seyi Makinde is truly committed to providing opportunities for People Living with Disabilities (PwDs). “The Agency has continued to receive all the necessary support from the administration to ensure that PwDs are carried along. “Since the coming of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, there are some deliberate initiatives the governor has put in place to improve access to governance and quality of service to persons with disabilities,” he said.

CBN To retire 1,000 Employees With N50bn Severance Package

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  The Central Bank of Nigeria is reported to be preparing to retire approximately 1,000 employees as part of a strategic workforce realignment. A severance package worth over N50 billion was said to have been allocated as the payoff for the exercise. According to an insider, the retirement initiative is driven by the need to streamline operations and reduce staff numbers under the leadership of the apex bank’s Governor, Olayemi Cardoso. Daily Trust reported on Monday that a circular released three weeks ago by the CBN noted that the application for Early Exit Package (EPP) was open to all cadres of staff and will close by Saturday, December 7. Exempted are those yet to be confirmed or who have served less than one year “as of the date of publication with the effective date of exit set at 31 December 2024.” Officials told Daily Trust that the apex bank was targeting the retirement of over 1,000 staff members. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, were quoted as saying that at least 860 staff from the various departments have already applied for the EPP. The management described the EEP as a voluntary programme offering eligible employees an incentive to exit the CBN early, “while providing employees seeking other career options a great opportunity for early exit.” It cautioned that the staffers could not change their minds after applying, saying that all completed and submitted applications are final. The EEP stated that financial incentives for senior supervisors to deputy managers shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 60 months of the current grade’s gross annual emoluments. It also noted that financial incentives for managers shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 36 months of the current grade’s gross annual emoluments. “Financial incentives for all other cadres of staff shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 18 months of current grade gross annual emoluments,” it added. A staff member, who spoke to the Daily Trust, said, “The way they dated the offer, you’ll know that the target is actually from senior supervisors to deputy managers. If you look at it, they’re mostly those that came in within the nine years of Governor Emefiele. “For instance, I’ve worked for four years in the bank; the package they’re giving me is between N92 million to N97 million. “Some others have worked up to a manager level and are only entitled to N64.5 million. So, the more time you have to go, the more money they pay you because you know, for them, you don’t have gratuity”, the staff said. Another staff member told Daily Trust that during a webinar held on Friday, the Human Resources Department of the bank expressed the apex bank’s decision to get the number it was targeting for the EEP. “There is serious tension, serious apprehension. You can imagine the atmosphere. It is terrible. “As of Friday, there were 860 people so far that have indicated interest in the EEP,” the staff member said. When contacted by Daily Trust for comments on the decision to send about 1,000 staff on early retirement, the CBN’s Director of Corporate Communication, Hakama Sidi Ali, neither answered calls nor replied to a text message sent to her.

Proposed NLC Strike: No Strike In Oyo State – Oyo Govt

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  The Oyo State Government has assured its citizens that there will be no strike in the State even as the National body called for a nationwide strike from Monday. The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, gave this assurance in a Press Statement from his office on Saturday. According to him, the on-going negotiations between the State Government and the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are at an advanced stage and on the verge of implementation. Besides, the Commissioner said that both parties have unfettered confidence in the sincerity of the negotiations and in the track record of the State Government to fulfil its promises. Prince Oyelade said that Governor Seyi Makinde did not negotiate with the Labour leaders before he announced a generous ₦80,000 minimum wage which will be implemented as soon as the Consequential Adjustment negotiations are concluded. He noted that the present administration has not only been worker-friendly with its prompt payment of salaries and pensions on the 25th of every month but has also expanded the workforce with large-scale record recruitment exercises across board. In the meantime, workers are already looking forward to the prompt payment of the December salaries and the 13th month bonus as it has always been since the Inception of the Seyi Makinde administration.

Public Outrage As Army Detains Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo

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  Widespread condemnation has followed the detention of Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Soyombo, a renowned investigative journalist celebrated for exposing corruption and systemic failures, has been held for three consecutive days. His detention has sparked nationwide calls for his immediate release and intensified concerns about press freedom in Nigeria. In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, November 29, FIJ condemned the detention, describing it as an assault on press freedom. Soyombo is no stranger to persecution for his investigative work. In 2021, he was briefly detained after publishing an exposé on police corruption. The current detention has triggered an outcry across social media platforms, particularly on X, with #FreeFisayoNow gaining traction as Nigerians, rights groups, and activists express outrage. Amnesty International Nigeria called for his “immediate and unconditional release,” labelling the detention as “arbitrary and unlawful.” Activist Aisha Yesufu also condemned the detention, urging the Nigerian Army to focus on terrorists instead of journalists. “Dear Nigerian Army, go and arrest Bello Turji, who has killed Nigerians and even your personnel. Leave Fisayo alone. Journalism is not a crime,” she posted on X. Similarly, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting described the detention as an attack on press freedom, echoing widespread demands for Soyombo’s release. Despite public pressure, the Nigerian Army has yet to confirm the detention or provide an official explanation. Reporters Without Borders has repeatedly ranked Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous countries for journalists in 2024. In its recent data, Nigeria placed poorly on the World Press Freedom Index, ranking 115th out of 180 countries.

Zacch Adedeji Calls For Public Support For Government Policies

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  In today’s world, where everyone has an opinion on social media, it’s easy for people to comment without fully understanding the situation. Yes, everyone is entitled to their views, but as Nigerians, it’s time for us to dive deeper into reading and understanding the policies that shape our future. The government is working hard to put Nigeria on the global map, and there are plenty of policies that are truly designed to benefit us all. Nigeria’s economy is often the talk of the town, especially when the government looks to borrowing to fund important projects. With limited resources, finding the right balance between borrowing and generating revenue is important. Recently, the federal government’s request for a $2.2 billion loan sparked debates about how sustainable such borrowing is. However, the government has made it clear that borrowing is a well-thought-out tool for development, one that comes with legislative approval and clear economic goals. Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), recently shared his thoughts on this issue and helped clarify why borrowing remains part of Nigeria’s financial strategy. Speaking at a session on the 2025-2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), the Tax Boss explained that borrowing is not a random decision. Each loan request is based on laws passed by the National Assembly, ensuring the process is transparent and aligns with the country’s financial goals. So, what does this mean for Nigerians? One thing is certain: borrowing helps the government fund projects like roads, schools, hospitals, and power plants. These are the tangible outcomes of strategic loans. Without these investments, the pace of development in a nation could slow down, leaving many areas behind. The key is balance. Borrowing should focus on projects that improve our lives, while efforts to grow Nigeria’s internal revenue continue, helping reduce our reliance on loans in the long run. Under the Tax Boss, the FIRS has consistently exceeded revenue targets, setting new standards for efficiency in tax collection. Dr. Zacch has redefined what it means to lead with purpose, transforming the tax system into a powerhouse of innovation and effectiveness. His efforts have elevated Nigeria’s revenue generation to new heights, showcasing his ability to drive growth and financial stability for the country. Dr. Zacch doesn’t shy away from tough truths. Even with impressive revenue generation, borrowing is still necessary to meet the nation’s ambitious goals. For him, it’s not just about borrowing money; it’s about making sure that the fund is used wisely to improve Nigeria’s future. Every loan is an investment in infrastructure and reforms that will benefit us all. Dr. Zacch offers a clear path. His approach is not just about fixing today’s problems; it’s about setting up a stronger, self-sustaining future. He shows that with the right leadership, borrowing can be a tool for progress when used carefully and transparently. Independent NG

Minimum Wage : Labour, States Engage In Last-Minute Discussions Ahead Of Monday’s Strike.

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  The remaining states yet to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for workers are making last-minute moves to ensure the Nigeria Labour Congress does not embark on strike on Monday, December 1, The PUNCH has learnt. The states yet to approve the monthly wage are Katsina, Cross River and Zamfara, after the Imo State Government sanctioned the implementation of the N70,000 wage on Tuesday. It means 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory have now complied with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. Many states agreed to pay above the N70,000 starting point with Lagos and Rivers offering the highest pay with N85,000. Lagos also announced that its workers could smile to the bank with up to N100,000 monthly from the first quarter of 2025. Workers in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Oyo and Niger will earn N80,000 while Delta and Ogun states approved N77,000. Ebonyi, Osun, Benue and Kebbi states approved N75,000; Ondo, N73,000; Kogi and Kaduna, N72,000; Kano and Gombe, N71,000. Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Jigawa, Borno, Edo, Kwara, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ekiti, Bauchi, Yobe, Imo and Plateau states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, all settled for N70,000. But despite the NLC’s warnings, trio Katsina, Zamfara and Cross River have yet to implement the new wage, which could lead to a shutdown of activities in the affected states from Monday. On Monday, labour unions in Cross River, who are demanding a new wage of N70,000 from the state government, directed state civil servants to embark on a two-day warning strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage. The warning strike was signed by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. This followed a staged walkout from a scheduled meeting held on November 18 with state government officials, who formed members of the wage implementation committee at the office of the state’s Head of Service, Innocent Eteng, in Calabar, the state capital. According to the labour leaders, last week, when the committee sat for the first time, the meeting ended in a stalemate when they perceived delayed tactics by the government to postpone the meeting to January. The state’s civil servants said they were utterly disappointed when Governor Bassey Otu announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 on May 1, during the International Workers Day celebration at the U.J Essueine Stadium in Calabar. Otu said that due to the state’s lean resources, caused by the statutory federal allocation aggravated by the unfavourable state Gross Domestic Product, the new minimum wage of N40,000 would be in line with realities rather than sentiments. While giving instances of Edo, Lagos, Rivers and other governors, the workers said they were of high hope before the unexpected announcement of N40,000. The strike action, which was signed by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, was set to commence from November 24 midnight to 26, 2024. ‘No going back’ The Cross River State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Gregory Ulayi, toild The PUNCH that the union would embark on an indefinite strike if the state government failed to implement the new minimum wage for the workers. He noted that the two-day warning strike was embarked upon by workers in the state between Monday and Tuesday, which he described as a call to action to the government. Ulayi said that after the two-day warning strike, all workers were mandated to return to work as they waited to hear from the state government. “If the government does not negotiate and do the needful, we will embark on a total strike because it is a directive across the country,” Ulayi told The PUNCH However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otu, Nsa Gill, told our correspondent that the state government had set up a committee to negotiate with the labour leaders, as part of last-ditch efforts to prevent the looming strike on Monday. He said that despite the nationwide deadline for the implementation of the minimum wage, the Otu-led government was working to ensure payment of a minimum wage of N70,000 or even above. “The state government has a negotiating team and they are at work. Though, they are yet to reach an agreement as at today (Thursday). The government is ready to pay the N70,000 new minimum wage, if not beyond,” he stated. “We recognise the fact that there is a national deadline from the labour union, which is slated for December 1, 2024, for all the states to pay the new minimum wage. “We are trying to see how to build a stronger economic foundation that can make us pay a living wage to our civil servants. Until the team finishes the negotiation, the amount will not be announced. Right now, they are still on the negotiation table for an amicable resolution.” Katsina State is also likely to face labour’s wrath after its failure to implement the compulsory new wage bill for the state workers. Multiple sources in the NLC secretariat in Katsina, the state capital, told our correspondent on Thursday that the state was yet to approve the payment. Last month, The PUNCH reported that the Katsina State Government inaugurated a 15-member committee to guide the implementation of a new minimum wage of N70,000. Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, while inaugurating the committee, said the government was aware of the hardship being faced by civil servants in the state. “You are all aware that His Excellency, the Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, has set up a committee to implement the N70,000 minimum wage consequential adjustment to all categories of workers in the state. “This includes the state civil servants, the Local Government employees and other categories of workers. The government is aware of the hardship being encountered by the civil servants,” he stated. Led by Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, the committee was given three weeks to present strategies and recommendations, including the consequential adjustments for all categories of workers. The committee includes prominent state officials such as the Head of Civil Service, Falalu Bawale; the state Commissioners for Finance, Budget … Read more

Court Adjourns Murder Trial Of Former Oyo State Parks Chairman ‘Auxiliary’ To December 5

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  Former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, more commonly known as Auxiliary, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and other offences initiated against him. The former NURTW boss in Oyo is currently being prosecuted for a 17-count charge concerning armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm including one AK-47 assault rifle, and two SMG rifles with the magazine. According to the charge sheet, the offences are in contravention and punishable under Section 1(2)(a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, CAP RII, Vol.14, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The matter with suit number I/74c/2024: State Versus Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary) is before Justice Bayo Taiwo of Fiat Court 2, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan. The case is based on offences allegedly committed on the 29th of May, 2023 at about 2pm at the Ikolaba, Ibadan residence of Governor Seyi Makinde. The matter which was initially before Justice O. A. Adetujoye of Fiat Court 5 was reassigned to Justice Taiwo after counsel to Auxiliary, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN, earlier on November 4th, 2024 disagreed to allowing Justice Adetujoye hear two cases of his client, which led to the case file been returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment. After Auxiliary pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him on Wednesday, the state prosecution team led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr S. O. Adeoye opened the trial by calling witnesses before the court. Other lawyers that appeared alongside the DPP included Mrs O. S Tella (Deputy DPP) and Mrs O. A. Bolarinwa (Senior State Counsel). Although some of the counsel had thought the matter would come up for mention on Wednesday, being the first time it was coming up before Justice Bayo Taiwo, the judge asked that the prosecution begin the case which was not objected to by the defence counsel. Two witnesses including Mr Fatai Isiaka (Prosecution Witness 1) and Mr Ademola Johnson (PW2) were called to give their oral witnesses. Sixteen more witnesses have been listed to come before the court to give their accounts against the defendant. The duo in their separate accounts narrated how the defendant (Auxiliary), who at the time was the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the PMS, attacked some suspected factional members of the proscribed NURTW in the state at the Governor’s residence after they showed up to felicitate the governor on his swearing-in for a second term in office. The witnesses were later cross-examined by the Defence Counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN. Earlier, the defence raised concern about plans to apply for bail, but the court held that the case should continue and that the issue of bail application might be considered at the next hearing. It was learnt that the case has been adjourned to December 5, 2024. Sahara

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