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EFCC Witness Again Fails to Link Yahaya Bello to Disputed Properties and Funds

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Trial in the ongoing prosecution of Yahaya Bello, the erstwhile Governor of Kogi State resumed today in Abuja. Parties appeared before Hon. Justice Josephine Anenih to continue proceedings in the High tension legal battle.

Shehu Bala ‘Bello’, testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), today underwent extensive cross-examination at the hands of defence counsel in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.

The witness, who was subsequently discharged after what a journalist observing proceedings described as ‘a grilling’, is now the seventeenth prosecution witness (PW17) called by the EFCC since the commencement of the trial.

During a lengthy and detailed cross-examination, defence counsel subjected the witness to questions bordering on his relationship with Ali Bello whom he testified at the last hearing yesterday to have had dealings with, including the acquisition of various properties, the source of funds utilised in those transactions, and the ownership structure of the assets that have featured prominently in the prosecution’s case.

Despite the extensive questioning, the witness failed to directly link former Governor Yahaya Bello to the ownership, purchase, financing or control of the disputed properties and funds under scrutiny before the court. He also clarified that ‘Bello’ in his name is purely concidently, and that he is not related to the former Governor.

Under questioning, PW17 exonerated Bello from allegation of having had business dealings with him. He maintained that his dealings related principally to his own business and property transactions and he did not have direct business with the former governor on any of the properties and other assets in issue.

The development is being viewed by courtroom observers as another difficult outing for the prosecution, which has now called seventeen witnesses without allegedly producing direct evidence tying the former governor to the properties and financial transactions at the centre of the charges.

Proceedings are currently ongoing. More details later…

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Kaduna Community Stops Alleged Removal of Equipment From Rural Hospital

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By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Residents of Kaura Community in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Wednesday prevented the removal of equipment from the Rural Hospital, Kaura, citing concerns over the authorization for the exercise.The incident sparked tension after a man reportedly arrived at the hospital with a pickup vehicle to remove items, including hospital beds, a generator, a transformer and an ambulance.

Community members alleged that several of the items were donated through contributions by residents and insisted that no equipment should be moved without clear directives from the appropriate authorities.

Speaking in a telephone interview, the community’s Public Relations Officer, Anthony Timothy, said residents mobilised after receiving information about the planned evacuation of hospital assets.

According to Timothy, community leaders met with hospital officials, including the matron and deputy matron, who reportedly said they were unaware of any approved relocation of equipment.He further questioned the authenticity of a document presented as authorisation for the exercise, alleging that it lacked official endorsement.

Timothy also claimed that previous removals from the facility involved equipment donated by members of the community. He alleged that the individual overseeing the operation identified himself as having been sent from Kaduna, but residents were not aware of any official directive supporting the exercise.

Security personnel were later deployed to the hospital following reports of a disturbance. However, Timothy said the situation remained peaceful, with residents seeking clarification over the planned removal.As of the time of filing this report, none of the equipment had been removed.

A senior official of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the board was not aware of the incident and would investigate the matter. The official noted that any approved relocation of hospital equipment would ordinarily involve the relevant local health authorities.

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Oborevwori Calls for Collective Action Against Insecurity at Delta Security Summit

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By Anne Azuka

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged stakeholders across the state to unite in tackling terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges, stressing that maintaining peace requires collective responsibility.

The governor made the call on Wednesday while delivering his keynote address at the Delta State Security Summit 2026 held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, with the theme, “Security: A Collective Responsibility.”

The summit brought together security chiefs, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and members of the business community to discuss strategies for improving security in the state.

Oborevwori said the protection of lives and property remains essential for sustainable development, adding that no society can thrive under insecurity.He stated that while security agencies and government have constitutional responsibilities, lasting peace depends on cooperation among communities, traditional institutions, religious bodies and citizens.

The governor disclosed that his administration had strengthened the state’s security architecture through partnerships with security agencies and investments in operational support. He also announced that the state government had approved the construction of divisional police headquarters across the 25 local government areas in preparation for the possible establishment of state police.

According to him, the Delta State Security Trust Fund has also been created as a platform for government and private-sector collaboration in supporting security operations.Oborevwori urged residents to support security agencies through timely information sharing and reporting of suspicious activities.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the summit was organised to address emerging security concerns and develop practical solutions. Security commanders at the event commended the governor’s support for security operations, noting that improved collaboration among stakeholders has contributed to reducing crime in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, John Oyeniyi, said modern security challenges require cooperation among government, security agencies, communities and private organisations. Stakeholders at the summit reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace across Delta State.

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Varsity Don Advocates Environmental Values in Education for Sustainable Development

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By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

A Professor of Social Studies and Environmental Education, Joseph Olukayode Ogunbiyi, has called for the integration of environmental values into Nigeria’s education system as a strategy for achieving sustainable development. Prof. Ogunbiyi made the call during the 21st Inaugural Lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, titled “The Green Classroom: Integrating Environmental Values into Learning.”

The lecturer said the increasing challenges of environmental degradation, pollution, deforestation, desertification and the effects of industrialisation require a stronger focus on environmental education.

He described the Green Classroom concept as an approach that combines environmental values, sustainability practices and practical learning, allowing students to engage directly with environmental issues.

Prof. Ogunbiyi traced the development of environmental education globally from the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the 1975 Belgrade Charter, the 1977 Tbilisi Conference and the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, noting that education remains central to promoting environmental responsibility.

He identified poor funding, shortage of trained specialists, examination-focused curricula, urbanisation and weak environmental awareness as major challenges affecting environmental education in Nigeria.The don recommended the use of Values Analysis and Values Clarification strategies to help students develop critical thinking, personal responsibility and better environmental decision-making skills.

He also proposed the introduction of dedicated Environmental Education degree programmes in universities, alongside stronger policies, improved learning resources, teacher training and wider adoption of Green Classrooms.The Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the lecture as an important academic milestone and noted that environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution require urgent attention.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting research and innovation that promote environmental sustainability. Prof. Usman congratulated Prof. Ogunbiyi on the achievement and commended him for contributing to academic development and public knowledge.

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