CITIZENS COMPASS–Ahead of October 24, 2024, when Nigerians hoped that the Kogi State former Governor, Yahaya Bello, would appear before the court over corruption allegations, there are indications that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may be going after some aides who served under the administration between 2016 and 2024.
The aim behind the planned investigations and possibly arrest, as gathered, was to aid the anti-graft agency’s moves to file more charges against the former governor during his eight years tenure in the state.
These former aides, including those serving under the current administration in the state, were said to have aided the ex-governor’s alleged misappropriation of public funds.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Delete Oyewale, to reveal the agency’s next plan on the case before the court proved abortive.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the EFCC has more evidence against the former governor than what the agency had filed before the Federal Court in Abuja, where they aimed to pursue their suit against Bello who had been evading arrest for months.
On Wednesday, sources said that what had been holding the anti-graft agency back in throwing all its cards before the court and completely prosecuting the former governor was the inability to drag him before the judge to commence a full trial under the law.
A top official of the EFCC disclosed that the agency has more facts on the former governor than what many would have expected, saying Bello knows that we have more information on his alleged misappropriation while serving as governor in the state.
He added: “This, I believe, formed part of the reasons he had been trying to evade arrest, hiding behind his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who he believes has immunity and could continue to shield him from any arrest.
“But I know that he cannot run forever. He will have his day in court. There is no one above the law; that I am sure of. He (Bello) can only continue to run but will appear one day”.
Also, a top female official of the anti-graft agency, who did not want to speak to the media due to the sensitivity of the case, disclosed that EFCC may file more allegations against Bello who served as Kogi governor for eight years in the state.
She stated that there were issues that the agency would reveal against the former governor when full trial commences.
According to her, I know for sure that many Nigerians who have thrown their weight behind him including some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and politicians especially Kogi State Assembly lawmakers, and have been advocating for the removal of our chairman, may have to start shifting ground and retracts their statements made earlier when some of the revelation start coming out.
She added that more people may be brought into the case ahead of the October 24th adjournment date approved by the judge.
On this date, Bello is expected to appear before the court in response to a public summon and a fresh 16-count charge brought against him, as well as, attend court along with two other defendants.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, issued the order for the public summons following an application by the EFCC.
The judge directed EFCC to publish the public summons in a newspaper with wide circulation, as well as to pass copies to Bello’s last known address and in conspicuous places on court premises.
The charge, filed on September 24, 2024, alleges criminal breach of trust amounting to N110.4 billion. The other two Defendants in the charge are Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
Bello’s absence for arraignment resulted in the postponement of the case which had been shifted more than five times.
Security Stakeholders, Others Laud Minister of State for Police Affairs, Sulaiman-Ibrahim As Agent of Change, Capacity Builder, Fit for Public Service • Bags NAOSNP Award
The Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has received accolades from security agencies across board as well as stakeholders in the Nigerian security business, acknowledging her undisputed legacy of thorough policing, initiatives and landmark achievements in the little over one year as an appointee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Stakeholders unanimously agreed that Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in the discharge of her constitutional duties, has exceeded expectations of the observers, analysts, employees and employers as she continually dishes out one great innovation after another.
These recommendations were showered on the Honourable Minister were she bagged the prestigious award as NAOSNP Innovative Honourable Minister of the Year at the 2024 NAOSNP Security Conference and Awards of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), which was held at the Oriental Hotel, in Lagos with notable dignitaries from the security agencies and beyond, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CM Shehu Mohammed, who was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal Adeoye Irelewuyi; Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola; Representative of the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Hon. Dele Oshinowo; Superintendent of Customs Theophilus Duniya, representing the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada; CEO Badinson Security Services, Dr. Matthew Ibadin; DC Administration, Zone 2, DCP Martin Nwogohi; DC ZCID Zone 2, DCP Adewale Ajao; CEO Safety Signatures, Dr. Cynthia Gregg; delegates from TRACE Ogun State and a host of other stakeholders, in attendance.
In his speech as of special guest speaker at the Conference, with the theme, CONNECTING THE DOT BETWEEN IDENTITY TRACKING AND NATIONAL SECURITY, AIG Adegoke Fayoade lauded the Minister as one deserving of accolades, having steadfastly adjusted the Nigerian Police in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, ensuring that the Police receive the right equipment, training and remote as well as immediate paraphernalia to execute the job of policing. He noted that the Nigerian Police of today has implemented several identity tracking systems to enhance national security.
“Nigeria has implemented several identity tracking systems to enhance national security, improve governance, and reduce fraud over the years. These initiatives focus on creating a robust identity management framework that integrates multiple sectors, ranging from finance to telecommunications, immigration, and law enforcement,” the AIG noted.
Also speaking, Chief Dele Momodu appreciated the fact that a woman of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s capacity was on hand to present his award to him, stressing that he couldn’t have asked for a greater honour.
In the same vein, other speakers and respondents, including a former Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, found spaces in their lines, to laud the intelligence of the Honourable Minister, citing that President Tinubu needs her likes to bring to fruition the promised Eldorado to Nigerians.
Speaking earlier as the Distinguished Guest Speaker, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, had highlighted the grace she brought to the Police Affairs Ministry, which has seen to both the initiation and execution manifold projects, and their attendant testimonies, including identity tracking for national security.
“As someone deeply invested in the safety and security of our nation, I have spent considerable time reflecting on how best to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges. The more I engage with experts, our police force, and other stakeholders, the clearer it becomes that identity tracking is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. It is not just about knowing who is in our country; it is about building a system where every identity is securely accounted for, and reducing opportunities for crime,” she said.
Appointed in August 2023 as the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, a distinguished international professional with over two decades of expertise spanning the public, private, and development sectors, has a wealth of experience in conflict management, human capital development, peace building, and national security. She has no doubt established herself as an administrator par excellence.
Well read and well learned, Sulaiman-Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc in Sociology from the University of Abuja. She is reputed to have earned two Master’s degrees; an MBA and an MA in Management – both from Webster University, St. Louis (London Campus) at the yiung age of 21.
Reflecting her dedication to continuous professional growth and barefaced love for education, the honourable minister is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigeria Defence Academy.
In addition to her academic achievements, she co-founded and serves as the President of the BumbleeBee Civic Initiative (formerly The Beehive Initiative), a platform dedicated to mentoring politically inclined women and promoting grassroots civic awareness.
Her public service record is equally impressive and worthy of emulation. As Special Assistant on Strategic Communication and Partnerships to the Minister of State for Education (August 2019 to December 2020), she led the development of the innovative Alternate School Programme, securing Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for its implementation. She later served as Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), where she significantly improved national efforts to combat human trafficking and address irregular migration.
She has also served as Federal Commissioner and CEO of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). In this role, she launched the “Project 5s” initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
As a politician, strategist, and award-winning leader, Imaan has garnered recognition for her work in national security, conflict resolution, and human capital development. On July 27, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed her as the Minister of State for Police Affairs, making her the first female to hold this position.
Her glorious stewardship so far is summed in the below lines, which she self-delivered;
“Over the past year, we have made strategic investments in surveillance technologies, drones, and communication systems to boost real-time information gathering and response capabilities. We have also introduced ICT applications such as the RescueMe App and e-CMR (electronic Central Motor Registry) to enhance our epolicing strategy. These platforms have improved efficiency and productivity across our operations.
“Our efforts extend beyond technology; we are committed to community engagement as a fundamental aspect of our security strategy. We have held numerous townhall meetings nationwide to foster grassroots understanding of security dynamics and develop community-specific solutions. We have also strengthened our partnership with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), resulting in better intelligence sharing and collaboration.
“In addition, we are developing a National Policing Policy to enhance the operational capabilities of the NPF and ensure more responsive and responsible policing. We have also launched the NPF Gender Policy to improve the gender balance within the force, and I am proud to announce that our advocacy has led to the inclusion of a female officer in the force’s leadership team.”
Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is indeed a force to reckon with in administration.
