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Yahaya Bello’s Passport Is With FHC, Not With Us – FCT High Court
From Lateef Taiwo
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, on Thursday, said that the international passport of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was not in its custody but in the custody of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
At the resumed hearing of the alleged money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the former governor, Justice Maryann Anenih held that the court would have considered the application for the release of the defendant’s travel document if it were to be in its custody.
She said even if the request to retrieve the international passport were to be granted, it would be of no effect since the passport was not in the custody of the FCT High Court but with the Federal High Court, before Justice Emeka Nwite.
The former governor is facing similar charges at both the FCT and Federal High Courts, Abuja.
He had filed an application, requesting for the release of his international passport to enable him to travel out of the country on health grounds.
Counsel to the defendant, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had earlier submitted that the international passport being requested was not in the custody of the Court.
A review of the Court’s record revealed that the applicant had previously been ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the registry of the Court.
However, upon further enquiry and search conducted by the Court, it was discovered that the said international passport was not presently in the custody of the Court’s registry but with the Federal High Court.
The defendant, in his application, had also indicated that his travel documents were with the Federal High Court.
Justice Anenih, after the ruling, adjourned the case to October 8, 9; and November 13, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
The court had, on July 8, adjourned ruling on the defendant’s application to Thursday, July 17.
Daudu, SAN, told the court that the application was dated 19th June, 2025 and filed on June 20, 2025.
“It seeks an order for the release of the 1st defendant/applicant’s international passport by the registrar to enable him to travel for medical attention,” he had said.
The counsel said the application was supported by an affidavit of 13 grounds in the face of the motion and supported by a 22 paragraphs affidavit deposed to by the applicant himself.
The EFCC Counsels had, however, filed a counter-affidavit, saying granting the request could delay further proceedings.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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