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Afe Babalola a blessing to Ekiti, Nigeria – Says Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has lauded renowned legal luminary and Founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola(SAN), for his unwavering contribution to philanthropy and nation-building, describing him as a blessing to Ekiti State, Nigeria and this generation.

Oyebanji, gave the commendation in Ado-Ekiti on Monday while commissioning the Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital Annex, Odo Ado, in Ado Ekiti.

The Governor lauded the nonagenarian’s consistent contribution to the development of the state across various sectors.

Emphasizing the pivotal roles played by Chief Babalola in advancing the education sector, agriculture, healthcare, and socio-economic growth within the state and beyond, the Governor said Babalola has remained the highest tax payer and highest employer of labour after the state government since the creation of the state, thereby making him a key player in the development of the state.

While commending Babalola on the opening of ABUAD Muiti system hospital in the area, Governor Oyebanji called on well meaning Ekiti indigenes home and in the Diaspora to emulate the good gestures of Afe Babalola, maintaining that the fortune of the state would doubled if it has more people like the ABUAD Founder, adding that government alone cannot shoulder development.

He assured the management of the hospital and the resident that the road leading to the hospital area had already been pencilled down for construction adding that he will not derail from the vision of the founding fathers of Ekiti.

“Health is wealth. What Aare Afe Babalola did was not for himself. He did not forget home. He was the highest taxpayer in the old Ondo state, and since the creation of Ekiti state, he remains the highest taxpayer and the largest employer of labour after government.

“I have heard about the road and daddy has spoken to me about the road and the truth of the matter is that the advert for this road has been placed and by March 24th, they will close the bid and they will award this road before the end of next month”.

In his response, Aare Afe Babalola commended Governor Oyebanji as a worthy Ekiti son who upholds the state’s culture and traditions, praising him for maintaining the vision of the founding fathers.

Babalola, who regretted the fact Oyebanji did not govern the state much earlier, commended the Governor’s programmes and policies, which according to him, have brought a huge development to the state.

He explained that the hospital was built to improve quality health services, inspire hope, and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care at reduced cost to patients in Ado Ekiti and its environment.

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Court denies Yayaha Bello bail

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has dismissed the bail application filed by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is being tried for an alleged N110 billion fraud.

In her ruling, the judge held that Bello’s bail application was premature and incompetent as he filed it when he had not yet surrendered himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The however, admitted Bello’s alleged co-accomplice Umar Oricha, to bail in the sum of N300million with two sureties in the like sum.

In her ruling on Bello’s application, the judge said the former Kogi governor was only making an attempt to invoke the jurisdiction of the court too early.

She said, “Consequently, the instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”

The 16-count charge preferred against Bello has to do with conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

He is alleged have used state funds to illegally acquire properties, at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja , No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja, among many others.

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Man arraigned for unlawful possession of human skull

A 52-year-old man, Akeem Rasheed, has appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, for alleged unlawful possession of a human skull.

The defendant who resides at Jegede area, Ibadan, was charged with two counts of improper interference with dead body and unlawful possession of human skull.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the police.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. David Adepoju, told the court that on Oct. 11, at 1.00 a.m., at Jegede Estate, Odeyale area, Ibadan, Rasheed improperly interfered with a dead human body.

He said that the defendant allegedly exhumed a corpse from its grave, removed the skull and burnt it.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendant burnt the human skull into ashes for spiritual purposes.

He said the offences contravened Section 242 (1) (b) and 352(A) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a blood relative of the defendant.

She , thereafter, adjourned the case until May 5, 2025 for hearing.

NAN

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EFCC Arrests 22 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abia State

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC, have arrested twenty-two suspected (22) internet fraudsters.

They were arrested on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Umuagu and Olokoro in Abia state in a sting operation.

Items recovered from them include six exotic cars, eight laptops and 36 mobile phones.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.