A federal capital territory (FCT) high court in Maitama has extended the time for Yahaya Bello, former Kogi governor, to respond to the public summons issued against him.

On October 3, Maryanne Anenih, presiding judge, ordered Bello to appear before the court on October 24 for arraignment on a 16-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello was however absent at the court session on October 24.

The court had then adjourned to November 14 for Bello to respond to the summons.

However, the former governor did not show up in court on Thursday.

Jamiu Agoro, counsel for the EFCC, said the order of the court issued on October 3 had not elapsed since the commission effected service on October 18.

Consequently, Agoro prayed the court for an adjournment and an extension of time for Bello to appear.

“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running. So we have discussed and agreed to come back on the 27th day of November 2024, my lord,” he said.

The EFCC also told the court that Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, two officials of the Kogi state government, have been granted administrative bail.

Counsel for the 2nd and 3rd defendants confirmed the administrative bail of their clients. They also did not oppose the request for adjournment and extension of time.

After listening to all counsels, the judge granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment and extension of time.

The judge also ordered that hearing notice should be served on Bello at his last known address and should be pasted on conspicuous places around the court.

The charge against the defendants borders on alleged criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110,446,470,089, contrary to sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and punishable under section 312 of the same law.

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has banned security aides and escorts from accompanying VIPs into polling booths and collation centres during the governorship election in Ondo.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police spokesperson, said Egbetokun has implemented “comprehensive security measures” to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.

Egbetokun named Sylvester Alabi, deputy inspector-general, as the coordinating DIG for the election to oversee the implementation of security strategies and to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.

The IGP also named Bennett Igweh, an assistant inspector-general, and Tunji Disu, a commissioner of police, as AIG and CP elections respectively.

Egbetokun said all movements on roads, waterways and other means of transportation are restricted from 6am to 6pm in the state on Saturday except for those on essential services, such as ambulances, media officials, and fire service personnel.

“Furthermore, security aides and escorts attached to VIPs are banned from accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres to prevent disruptions,” the statement reads.

“Unauthorized security personnel and quasi-security agencies will not be permitted to operate during the election, and a strict ban on using sirens by unauthorized vehicles will be enforced.

“Special consideration will also be extended to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those facing mobility challenges to ensure that polling stations remain accessible.

“Designated election lines have been established for inquiries and reporting incidents. These lines will be publicized as soon as possible.”

The IGP said the police will work with the military and other security agencies to ensure the election is conducted fairly and peacefully.

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has ordered a freeze of all bank accounts belonging to the state government.

Okpebholo issued the directive on Thursday through Fred Itua, chief press secretary to the governor.

He asked commercial banks, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to immediately comply with the order or face severe consequences.

“All bank accounts in all the commercial banks have been frozen. Commercial banks must comply with the order and ensure that not a dime is taken out of the coffers of Government until further notice,” the statement reads.

“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies must comply with this order without further delays.

“After the necessary investigations and reconciliations, the Governor will do the needful and decide on the way forward. For now, this order stands.”

Okpebholo also directed relevant agencies to reverse the naming of the ministry of roads and bridges to the ministry of works — a nomenclature changed during the Godwin Obaseki administration.

“It is funny how you can call a Government institution Ministry of Roads and Bridges,” the statement reads.

“Ironically, no single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge

“In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration and more decisions will be taken that will be done in the best interest of the state.”

The development comes days after Okpebholo took over the reins of power in Edo.

The governor had earlier ordered an indefinite suspension of revenue collection in the state — including at motor parks.