The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of four officers implicated in the theft of N43.16m from a total of N74.95m recovered during an unauthorised arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The police also dismissed allegations suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was shielding a cartel accused of smuggling suspicious new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The suspended officers are DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, who were attached to Zone 7 Headquarters.

The officers, led by Inspector Okafor, under DSP Ejike’s directive, arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting cash on behalf of clients in August 2023.

The officers were alleged to have reported only N31.79 million as the recovered amount, concealing the remaining N43.16 million.

Following a petition by the owners of the money, the case was escalated to the IGP Monitoring Unit.

A statement on Wednesday by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said investigations revealed that the officers conspired to steal part of the cash and attempted to hide their tracks by claiming technical issues with evidence and spreading false narratives.

He said, “Upon being contacted by the alleged owners of the money, the officers claimed that the sum they had recovered from the arrested suspect was N31,790,000, and requested a percentage of the money to jeopardise the investigation and suppress the case. Outraged by their actions, the money owners petitioned the Force Headquarters, Abuja and the matter was directed to the IGP Monitoring Unit for investigation. During the process, the cash sum of N31,790,000 was recovered from the officers, who claimed that it was the total money recovered from Andrew Ejah during his arrest.

“After intense investigations and a series of trial, before duly constituted disciplinary panels, it was discovered that the officers took photographs of the suspect and the sacks of money at the point of arrest but claimed the phone they used was damaged and subsequently lost, in an attempt to conceal their misconduct.

“However, forensic intelligence showed that this group of officers conspired and stole part of the money, amounting to N43,160,000, and tasked one of them to move the cash out of the FCT for hiding pending when the heat would blow over. They, thereafter, resorted to several tricks and gimmicks to cover their tracks. One was the spread of this false narrative and misinformation to several online blogs and newspaper platforms.

“These officers have been suspended, being found culpable of serious misconduct, tampering with exhibits, abuse of office, corrupt practice, illegal duty, and acts unbecoming of a police officer. “

Adejobi also condemned what it described as a “sponsored misinformation campaign” aimed at implicating the IGP in the scandal.

He said, “It is pertinent to note that the circulating false narrative is a sponsored misinformation cultivated by mischief makers who seek to divert attention from the criminal acts of the police officers by attempting to join issues with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The affected officers will be prosecuted upon conclusion of due legal and administrative procedures.

“We urge the public and the media to refrain from spreading this false narrative aimed at tainting the reputation of the Inspector-General of Police. Such misinformation undermines public trust and detracts from the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reform the Police Force by eradicating unprofessional elements.”

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a trainee-teacher Adeola Adeyemo for injuring an 11-year-old pupil’s eye.

The trainee-teacher was on Tuesday allegedly holding a cane while addressing pupils in her class when the victim mistakenly ran into it.

This, it was learnt, damaged her eye and was deemed so serious that a healthcare expert had to remove the damaged eyeball.

The spokesperson of the state Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said: “On December 2, 2024, around 3:00 pm, Ilesami Christiana, residing at Sabo, Abeokuta, reported that she received a phone call informing her that a teacher had injured her 11-year-old daughter, Alao Idera, in the right eye while she was attending school at Owiwi Nursery and Primary School in Obada Oko.

“The child was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta for treatment. Following this complaint, the teacher, Adeola Adeyemo, a 400-level student from Tai Solarin University in Ijebu Ode, who was on teaching practice, was swiftly arrested and is being interrogated. Further updates will be provided

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive, yesterday announced a special end-of-year train service throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

A statement by the corporation’s Deputy Director Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, said the end-of-year train service is part of government’s gesture at ensuring that Nigerians have an enjoyable Yuletide celebration.

But he did not say if the special service would be free, as it did last year when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration directed the NRC to run a free train service during the Yuletide to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

Though details of the take-off of the service have also not been released, it was learnt that the special train service would be offered on all the national train networks, especially the modern train service on which it has online payment services.

Mahmood said the dates and modalities for the special train service would be communicated to Nigerians ahead of the Yuletide.

The NRC has three standard gauge services: Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), the Itakpe-Warri Train Service (IWTS), and Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS), besides two narrow gauge trunk lines – Lagos-Kano Train Service, called the Western Line, and the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Train Service, called the Eastern Line.

The corporation also offers mass transit train services on the two old narrow gauge corridors.

Last year, the NRC offered the free train ride from December 17, to January 14, this year. The service was later extended by one week, ending on January 21, 2024, to allow those who might have travelled out of their areas of domicile to return.

No fewer than 12 persons lost their lives in a fatal auto crash on Baimari – Geidam Road in Yobe.

Livinus Yilzoom, the sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, confirmed the deaths in a statement in Damaturu on Wednesday.

According to him, the accident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, when a Howo truck ran into a bus with registration number BAU 124 YF near Chelluri village.

He said 12 passengers in the bus were burnt to death after the vehicle burst into flames.

“Preliminary investigation revealed road obstruction by the HOWO truck as the immediate cause, while excessive speed and overload by the driver of the bus (Sharan), as the remote causes of the road crash,” Mr Yilzoom said.

He advised motorists to avoid night journeys, especially during the harmattan, noting that poor visibility was a major cause of accident in the season.

President Bola Tinubu has departed South Africa after co-chairing the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The session focused on enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries, with an emphasis on fostering cooperation in areas such as economic development, security, and cultural exchange.

His departure was disclosed via a video shared on the X handle of TVC, on Wednesday, December 4.

The caption reads: “President Tinubu departs South Africa after he co-chaired the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town with President Cyril Ramaphosa.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has approved the appointment of Dr Anthonia Njoku as the new Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the state Specialist Hospital.

The appointment is contained in a statement by Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the Edo Government
(SSG) on Wednesday in Benin.

According to him, the appointment takes effect from Dec. 4.

Ikhilor said Njoku attended the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, where she earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S), MSc. in Reproductive Health.

The SSG said the new CMD also obtained a Diploma in Bioethics and Certificate in Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H CHAN School of Public Health, Harvard Boston.

Until this appointment, she was a Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, Ambrose AIli University, Ekpoma.

She is also an Honourary Consultant Sp. Grade 1, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo.

A photographer working for dpa, Anas Alkharboutli, has been killed during the latest fighting in Syria.

The 32-year-old photojournalist was killed in an airstrike while working near the Syrian city of Hama, other reporters who witnessed the incident confirmed.

Mr Alkharboutli had been reporting on the advance of the rebel alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Mr Alkharboutli studied engineering at the University of Damascus.

He began working as a photojournalist in 2015 and joined dpa in 2017; he quickly made a name for himself with his pictures and videos from the Syrian civil war.

His photography has won multiple international awards, in 2020; Alkharboutli received the Young Reporter Trophy of France’s prestigious Bayeux Award for war reporting.

In 2021, he won the sports category at the Sony World Photography Awards with a photo series of children doing karate.

dpa editor-in-chief Sven Gösmann said, “All of us at dpa are in shock and deeply saddened by the death of Anas Alkharboutli. We will honour his journalistic legacy. With his pictures, he did not only document the horrors of war, but always worked for the truth.”

The Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Ukachi Peter Opara, has called for sustained support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in its fight against drug abuse across the state.

Making the call on Wednesday in Jalingo, during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA’s state command, Opara emphasized that robust collaboration among government entities, sister agencies, and stakeholders is essential to combating criminal activities and social vices in Taraba.

He warned that neglecting such support could pose significant threats to national security.

Commending the NDLEA for its commitment to eradicating illicit drug trafficking and abuse, he highlighted the agency’s recent success in apprehending a seven-member transborder drug cartel.

The group was allegedly supplying drugs to terrorists operating in Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest regions, as well as in countries like Niger, Mali, Sudan, and Burkina Faso.

The group was allegedly supplying drugs to terrorists operating in Nigeria’s Northeast and Northwest regions, as well as in countries like Niger, Mali, Sudan, and Burkina Faso.

Opara reaffirmed the police command’s dedication to working closely with the NDLEA, stating that such partnerships are vital to safeguarding the lives and properties of Taraba residents.

Overwhelmed by the remarks, the NDLEA boss in Taraba, Ali Obadiah Umar, praised the commissioner for his proactive approach to fostering inter-agency collaboration.

Umar pledged his unwavering support for the police command’s efforts to maintain law and order while wishing Opara success in his role.

The visit, according to him, underscored the importance of collective action in addressing the drug abuse crisis and enhancing security in Taraba State.

World Football Exhibition
Nigeria is to play host to a world football exhibition, aimed at showcasing the rich history, stars, and legends of football from around the globe.

The exhibition scheduled for Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, from January 18-25, 2025, is organised by Nigeria 1914 Exhibitions, in partnership with the National Lottery Trust Fund and Transcorp Hilton.

The 8-day exhibition promises to be a nostalgic, inspiring, and educational experience, featuring paintings, artifacts, photos, and portraits of past and present football legends and stars. Great football moments from around the world and appearances by invited football legends and stars

The objectives of the exhibition, according to Mr.Akin Laniyi Project Director, Nigeria 1914 organisation is to Promote Nigeria as a football capital of the world, celebrate football’s greatest moments and legends and Promote friendships and peace among football fans worldwide.

Laniyi also said the exhibition aimed at inspiring future football stars, facilitating interactions between stars and fans, support foundations in their mission to help society grow, and screening ongoing football tournaments, including the 2025 Premier League.

“We are thrilled to bring this unique event to life, celebrating the beautiful game and promoting unity among football fans worldwide,” Laniyi added.

World Football Exhibition
Nigeria is to play host to a world football exhibition, aimed at showcasing the rich history, stars, and legends of football from around the globe.

The exhibition scheduled for Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, from January 18-25, 2025, is organised by Nigeria 1914 Exhibitions, in partnership with the National Lottery Trust Fund and Transcorp Hilton.

The 8-day exhibition promises to be a nostalgic, inspiring, and educational experience, featuring paintings, artifacts, photos, and portraits of past and present football legends and stars. Great football moments from around the world and appearances by invited football legends and stars

The objectives of the exhibition, according to Mr.Akin Laniyi Project Director, Nigeria 1914 organisation is to Promote Nigeria as a football capital of the world, celebrate football’s greatest moments and legends and Promote friendships and peace among football fans worldwide.

Laniyi also said the exhibition aimed at inspiring future football stars, facilitating interactions between stars and fans, support foundations in their mission to help society grow, and screening ongoing football tournaments, including the 2025 Premier League.

“We are thrilled to bring this unique event to life, celebrating the beautiful game and promoting unity among football fans worldwide,” Laniyi added.

Fencing top country Saudi Arabia has joined the train to Lagos for the Fencing World Cup holding from December 14 to 15.

The Saudi team is the latest to register for the International Fencing Federation (FIE)-ranking tournament.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, countries such as U.S, Hong Kong, Benin Republic, Greece, Togo, Senegal, Angola, and Ghana have confirmed their participation. Kenya has also recently shown interest in joining the tournament.

Charterhouse Lagos, a prestigious international school in Nigeria, and host of the championship has also confirmed its readiness for the tournament.

John Todd, Director of Education at Charterhouse Lagos, expressed excitement about Nigeria hosting this global event and pledged the school’s commitment to fostering the sport’s growth in the country.

“Charterhouse Lagos is the first British independent school in West Africa, part of the 400-year history of Charterhouse School in the UK. Fencing is a traditional part of the UK independent school program, so this is a natural fit for us,” Todd explained.

He continued: “We have world-class facilities and have been seeking partnerships with top-tier sports organizations. Our facilities are unmatched in Lagos, making this partnership a natural choice. We plan to bring in our fencing coach and equipment as part of our long-term strategy. We fully support the Fencing Federation of Nigeria’s efforts to bring the Commonwealth Championship to Nigeria. This partnership aligns with our core values and offers an excellent opportunity for our school to nurture talent.”

Namibian Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) party has been elected the first female president of the Southern African country.

Namibia’s electoral commission on Tuesday announced Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah as the winner of the election that was held on November 27.

The announcement of the result was delayed until Tuesday as voting was extended in some places due to technical glitches and ballot paper shortages.

According to the result by the electoral commission, Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, polled 57 per cent of the votes, surpassing the 50 per cent requirement to win. Her challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, came second with roughly 26 per cent of votes.

In the National Assembly election, Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah-led SWAPO won a majority of seats, 51 of the 96, while the IPC won 20 seats.

“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah said after being declared president-elect on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the IPC has vowed to challenge the election’s outcome in court, describing the process as “deeply flawed.”

Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory now extends SWAPO’s 34-year rule in Namibia since it led the country to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.

The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the arrest of a lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the Nigerian Police Force over allegations bordering on libel.

In a statement Tuesday night, the NBA president, Afam Osigwe, also decried the alleged invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff.

NBA described the police actions as “a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.”

It said that while the police had the authority to investigate crimes, such power must be exercised within the confines of the law and concerning offences recognised under Nigerian law.

“We must reiterate that the alleged offence of libel, for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not recognised as a criminal offence under the laws of Lagos State.

“The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalisation of defamation by omitting it from its provisions. This progressive legislative move aligns with global best practices, which treat defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offence.

“The Supreme Court in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021) affirmed this position. Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, JSC, unequivocally held that defamation ceased to be a criminal offence in Lagos State following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011,” said the NBA.

The statement added that this “authoritative pronouncement leaves no room for doubt” and that under Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act 2020, the force “is mandated to act only about conduct that constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law.”

NBA added, “Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is not only unlawful but also a blatant violation of the principles of legality and the rule of law.”

It also expressed concern over the reported invasion of Mr Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff.

“Reports that phones were confiscated from lawyers and staff during this invasion highlight a severe disregard for the sanctity of legal practice and the constitutional rights of individuals.

“The legal profession is a cornerstone of justice and democracy, and any attempt to undermine its independence is a direct assault on the rule of law. The NBA unequivocally condemns the invasion of Mr Farotimi’s law firm, the harassment of its lawyers and staff, and the unlawful seizure of their phones,” the statement stressed.

It pointed out that such actions violate the constitutional right to dignity and privacy and affront the legal profession’s independence.

“We, therefore, demand the immediate release of Dele Farotimi, as his arrest lacks any basis under the laws of Lagos state. The authorities must swiftly launch an investigation into the invasion of his law firm, with the findings made public and those responsible held accountable.

“We urge law enforcement agencies to prioritise the principles of legality, fairness, and respect for human rights in their operations. These principles are foundational to justice, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ freedoms,” NBA added.

The British Government is set to deport popular pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, to Nigeria after losing his case against deportation at the immigration tribunal.

The UK government had shut down his church, SPAC Nation, after investigations exposed a misuse of funds by the church leadership.

It was gathered that the UK authorities closed the church after Adegboyega failed to properly account for more than £1.87 million of outgoings and operating with a lack of transparency.

However, according to The Telegraph, an immigration tribunal ruled that he should be deported back to Nigeria after investigations.

After arriving on a visitor’s visa in 2005, Adegboyega has lived in the UK unlawfully ever since.

In 2019, the pastor applied for leave to remain under ECHR’s right to a family life.

His application was initially dismissed by a first-tier immigration tribunal before he appealed.

Having been married to a British woman, the pastor claimed deportation would breach his right under the European Convention of Human Rights to a family life and failed to consider his community work with SPAC.

His legal team described him as a ‘charismatic’ community leader of a large, well-organised church who had ‘intervened in the lives of many hundreds of young people, predominantly from the black communities in London, to lead them away from trouble’.

Politicians including former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and senior figures within the Metropolitan Police had ‘lauded’ his work, he claimed, but no testimony by them was submitted to the court.

However, the Home Office contended ‘all is not as it seems’ and dragged him before an immigration tribunal.

However, according to the judgment as quoted by The Telegraph, the tribunal said evidences against the Nigerian pastor were taken to consideration.

The judgment reads, “Various manifestations of [Mr Adegboyega’s] church have been closed down, by either the Charity Commission or the High Court, because of concerns over its finances and lack of transparency.

“Former members of the church have alleged that it is a cult, in which impoverished young people are encouraged to do anything they can to donate money, including taking out large loans, committing benefit fraud and even selling their own blood.

“It is alleged that the church leadership lead lavish lifestyles and there have, it is said, been instances of abuse. The [Home Office’s] case before us was that all of this needs to be taken into account when evaluating whether [Mr Adegboyega] is in fact of real value to the UK.”

Speaking at the tribunal, Adegboyega said that claims that his chruch was a cult was unfounded and attacks on him and the church were politically motivated.

He also maintained no one had ever faced criminal charges over his church’s finances, adding that his deportation would breach his human rights.

However, the tribunal was told the Charity Commission concluded “there had been serious misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity which was sustained over a substantial period of time.”

The tribunal also found Adegboyega’s evidence to be “hyperbolic in many instances’ and had ‘sought to grossly inflate his influence.”

The tribunal concluded, “We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the appellant be required to leave the UK.

“Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate.

“Mr Adegboyega seeks to rely on family and private life relationships, all of which have been established whilst he was in the UK unlawfully, and which would survive his return to Nigeria.

“The interference would therefore be limited, and lawful in all the circumstances.”

Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has condemned the arrest of his political ally, Dele Farotimi, over a defamation petition.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Obi described Mr Farotimi’s arrest as a grave assault on democracy.

Mr Obi said Mr Farotimi’s arrest “is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.

“I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority.”

Mr Obi berated those behind Mr Farotimi’s arrest, calling for the human rights lawyer’s immediate and unconditional release.

“The police must recognise that their allegiance is to the constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to narrow interests at the behest of those in power,” the former Anambra governor added.

Mr Farotimi’s arrest was reported earlier on Tuesday. Before his arrest, Mr Farotimi, in a statement, said Tony Elumelu, the chairman of UBA, had filed a petition against him, in which he had honoured the police invitation.

Additionally, Mr Farotimi alleged that senior lawyer Afe Bababola mobilised Nigerian police to arrest and take him to Ekiti State for trial.

The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi is in its custody.

In a statement issued Tuesday night in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Command spokesperson Mr. Sunday Abutu addressed concerns about Farotimi’s whereabouts following reports of his arrest earlier that morning.

Abutu revealed that Farotimi is under investigation in connection with a petition alleging defamation and cyberbullying.

The statement reads in part, “The Ekiti State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that one Mr Dele Farotimi is undergoing investigation following a petition written against him to the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command for an allegation of defamation of character and cyberbullying.

“He was arrested today in Lagos with a warrant after all means deployed by the Command to bring him for interrogation proved abortive.

“He is currently in custody and will be arraigned as soon as investigation is concluded”, it added

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission recovered 753 duplexes and other apartments on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, court documents showed.

The court affidavits detailing how Mr Emefiele acquired the said property with “kickback” from contractors were published by Omoyele Sowore, AAC presidential candidate in 2023, on Tuesday, following his Monday tweet in which he said the asset was recovered from Mr Emefiele. He had berated the anti-graft for concealing the former CBN governor’s identity.

“That our investigation equally revealed that erstwhile CBN governor received kickbacks from some contractors who were awarded contracts by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“That upon investigation, it was revealed that one Ifeanyi Omeke, a deputy general manager and head, litigation of Zenith Bank Plc, worked closely with Godwin Emefiele and ran several errands for him which included purchase and perfection of title documents for several properties located in highbrow areas of Lagos and Abuja,” the affidavits read in part.

Mr Sowore released the affidavits on Tuesday following an EFCC statement criticising him for accusing the anti-graft agency of concealing Mr Emefiele’s identity.

The EFCC, in a statement on Tuesday, explained that Mr Emefiele’s identity was concealed in its Monday statement because the investigation was still ongoing.

“It is important to note that the substantive criminal investigation on the matter still continues. It would be unprofessional of the EFCC to go to town by mentioning names of individuals whose identities were not directly linked to any title document of the properties. The EFCC is unwavering in its no-sacred-cow approach to every matter, and together, we will make Nigeria greater,” the EFCC said.

The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on Tuesday, issued a bench warrant against the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Ahmed Kuru, over alleged N76bn and $31.5m of fraud.

Justice Mojisola Dada ordered Kuru’s arrest for failing to appear before the court for his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The court had scheduled Tuesday to arraign Kuru along with the Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the receiver manager of Arik, Kamilu Omokide, Union Bank Plc, and a company, Super Bravo Limited, for alleged N76bn and $31.5m fraud.

They are facing six counts bordering on making a false statement, fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and dishonest conversion of property.

According to the EFCC, the offences committed contravened Section 96 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and Sections 278 (1) (b) and 278(6) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

However, the arraignment could not go on due to the absence of Kuru and his lead counsel, Olasupo Shasore (SAN).

Earlier, when the case was called, the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), announced his appearance while Prof. Taiwo Osiptan (SAN) appeared for the first defendant (Kamilu Omokide ) and the third defendant ( Captain Roy Ilegbodu).

Olalekan Ojo (SAN) announced his appearance for the fourth defendant (Union Bank of Nigeria Plc), while Tayo Oyetibo SAN appeared for the fifth defendant (Super Bravo Limited).

However, the second defendant (Ahmed Kuru) was absent from court and was not represented.

The court then issued a bench warrant against Kuru.

However, as the judge was about to adjourn the case, she was informed that Kuru was on his way to court. So, she stood the case down for a while.

When the court recovened, Kuru was still absent but a lawyer, I.B. Amefula, announced appearance as Kuru’s lawyer.

However, Shittu, displeased by the development, prayed the court to issue a warrant for Kuru’s arrest.

“The former MD of AMCON had jumped administrative bail granted by the EFCC on several occasions.

“In view of the attitude of the second defendant, we urge the court to issue a bench warrant.

“My Lord, all the defendants in this case were served, but they got to the residence of the second defendant, the man had disappeared. He had blocked his contact.

“Someone who is a former MD of AMCON is not supposed to behave that way,” Shittu argued.

Justice Dada granted Shittu’s prayer and issued a bench warrant against Kuru.

The plea by Amefula for the judge to lift the bench warrant was declined.

“I will retain the order until the next adjourned date. When he is here on the next adjourned date I will revoke the order,” the judge said and adjourned till January 20, 2025 for the arraignment.