A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendants until Oct. 25 for the cross-examination of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) third prosecution witness, Jamilu Abdullahi.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu made this decision after overruling an objection by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who opposed the defense’s request for an adjournment. The defense lawyers, Aliyu Abubakar, SAN, representing Ali Bello, and Nuireni Jimoh, SAN, representing the other defendants, sought the adjournment to allow time to study the witness’s proof of evidence.

The EFCC had called Abdullahi, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, as a witness in the ongoing N3 billion money laundering case against Bello and three others, in a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022. Bello is facing charges alongside Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat, who are named as the second to fourth defendants.

During the resumed hearing, Abdullahi continued his testimony led by Oyedepo, detailing cash inflows into his company’s and personal Access Bank accounts. Following his testimony, Abubakar sought an adjournment, citing the need to review the extensive evidence provided.

Oyedepo opposed this request, arguing that the evidence had been served on the defense since Feb. 6, 2023. However, Justice Egwuatu granted the defense’s request to allow adequate preparation for cross-examination, adjourning the matter to Oct. 25, Nov. 5, and Nov. 6 for further proceedings.

The trial continues with Abdullahi expected to face cross-examination regarding his role as the owner of E-Traders International Limited, a BDC company.

Ganduje Dismisses Kano Governor’s Claims of Court Document Theft as Baseless

By Halima Abdulkadiri

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has strongly refuted allegations made by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, that he orchestrated the theft of sensitive court documents related to his corruption trial. Ganduje described the accusation as absurd and indicative of the state government’s inability to manage its security and judicial affairs.

In a statement released on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje criticized Yusuf’s assertion, questioning the governor’s competence in securing the state’s legal processes. The former Kano State governor pointed out that even if such documents were taken from the court, the government’s legal team should have backup copies, making the claim of theft implausible.

Governor Yusuf had earlier told reporters in Kano that “enemies of the state” had hired miscreants to vandalize the state high court and steal documents related to Ganduje’s corruption cases. The vandalism occurred during the recent nationwide anti-hunger protests, with the governor suggesting that the act was a targeted mission against the APC national chairman.

However, Ganduje’s aide dismissed the governor’s narrative as outlandish and unfounded. “It is laughable that governance in Kano has been reduced to such a farce, where the state government would suggest that protesters specifically targeted and stole documents related to Dr. Ganduje’s trial,” Olofu said.

He continued, “In this digital age, it’s inconceivable that important documents would only exist in physical form at the court. The state government’s failure to secure these documents or provide digital backups only highlights their incompetence.”

The Yusuf-led government has filed multiple corruption charges against Ganduje, including allegations involving his wife, Hafsat, and son, Umar, related to a $413,000 and N1.38 billion bribery case. Ganduje, however, argued that the continuous allegations against him and his family were part of a broader political agenda by the current state administration to distract from its shortcomings.

Ganduje further accused the Kano State government of attempting to deflect responsibility for the recent unrest in the state by concocting baseless accusations. He urged the people of Kano to remain calm and allow proper investigations to take place, while also reminding Governor Yusuf of the weight that comes with his words and actions as a leader.

“The people of Kano deserve better governance and truth, not propaganda,” Ganduje’s statement concluded.

Jos Court Ends 16-Year ‘Loveless’ Marriage

By Halima Abdulkadiri

An Area Court in Jos has dissolved a 16-year marriage between Hussaina Abdullahi and her husband, Saidu Ali, citing lack of love and peace.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, Judge Lawal Suleiman granted Abdullahi’s request for divorce. The judge awarded custody of the couple’s two children to Abdullahi and ordered Ali to pay N30,000 monthly through the court for their upkeep. Additionally, Ali was instructed to cover the children’s school fees.

Prior to the divorce ruling, Abdullahi informed the court that she married Saidu in 2008. She stated, “Our marriage lacks peace and love. I no longer love Saidu and can no longer live with him as his wife.”

She also expressed her willingness to refund the N40,000 dowry paid by Saidu and sought custody of their children.

Jos Court Ends 16-Year ‘Loveless’ Marriage