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Yahaya Bello's money laundering trial adjourned over witness statement dispute
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to April 24, 2026. The adjournment is for a ruling on whether the prosecution can use a witness's initial statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to refresh his memory or contradict his testimony. Joseph Daudu SAN, counsel for the former governor, objected to the prosecution's attempt to re-present Exhibit 46, the 12th Prosecution Witness’s statement. Daudu argued that if the prosecution intended to contradict its witness, it must first seek the court's leave to declare the witness hostile. This objection arose after the witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, gave evidence that appeared inconsistent with his initial statement. Jamilu, owner of Kumfayakum Global Limited, testified that he converted funds deposited by Abba Adaudu into US dollars and handed them over to Adaudu at their respective offices in Abuja. When asked about other delivery locations, he maintained deliveries occurred only at the offices. The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, sought to show the witness his earlier statement to refresh his memory, citing Section 2391, 2, and 3 of the Evidence Act. However, Daudu contended that this amounted to an attempt to treat the witness as hostile without following proper procedure, referencing Section 230 of the Evidence Act and the case of Ibe v. State 1997 LPELR-1389 SC. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the sitting for a ruling on
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Inter Miami secured a 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire, with Luis Suárez scoring twice and Preston Plambeck netting a late winner. The match marked Robert Lewandowski's Major League Soccer debut for Chicago Fire, following his transfer from Barcelona. Lewandowski played 63 minutes, commenting that he needs more time to integrate with his new team. Chicago initially took the lead with an own goal in the 18th minute. Suárez equalized from a penalty in the 27th minute and put Miami ahead in the second half. Puso Dithejane leveled the score for Chicago in the 67th minute before Plambeck sealed Miami's win three minutes from time. Inter Miami played without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who were rested after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated there is no pressure for their immediate return, acknowledging their physical and mental wear from the World Cup. The win moved Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference, five points behind leaders Nashville.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Bank, and Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, has introduced a Health Security Scorecard. This tool aims to enhance the monitoring of states' readiness for infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. Unveiled at a workshop in Abuja, the initiative is seen by health experts and development partners as crucial for identifying gaps in state-level health security systems and guiding evidence-based interventions. Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab, Executive Director of Programme Partnership at the NGF Secretariat, stated that the scorecard provides a unified framework for evaluating health security governance across all 36 states. He emphasized that true health security is built from the ground up, with subnational execution and accountability being fundamental for epidemic preparedness, detection, and response. The scorecard integrates key health security indicators into a single assessment tool, helping governors monitor progress, identify gaps, and strengthen accountability. Dr. Nanlop Ogburuke, Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, highlighted that the scorecard will strengthen disease preparedness, prevention, and response at the subnational level, enabling states to evaluate their current preparedness and guide future policy decisions. Dr. Oyeladun Okunromade of the NCDC added that the workshop aimed to identify gaps in state health security
Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated he advises President Bola Tinubu privately rather than publicly criticizing his administration on television. During an interview on TVC News, Fashola explained that the President directly sought his input on areas for improvement ahead of the 2027 elections. He emphasized maintaining this private communication channel, noting he has direct access to the President and has already offered advice on several issues. Fashola dismissed the idea of "blind spots" in the administration, stating public criticism is unnecessary when one has the President's ear. He also ruled out a presidential bid, expressing contentment with his current role, and reflected on his over two decades in public service. Fashola confirmed his continued membership in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, distinguishing between offering advice and interfering in government.