The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s objection to former Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi’s attempt to tender an earlier court judgment in his ongoing alleged money laundering trial.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the EFCC’s objection was preemptive

The former governor, through his counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had sought to tender an FCT High Court judgment in suit number: FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023, between Mr Ali Bello and Incorporated Trustees of American International School.

The development occured after the EFCC called its 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3), Mr Nicholas Ojehomon, an Internal Auditor with American International School, Abuja (AISA).

However, the commission ‘s lawyer, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, opposed the admissibility of the document, arguing that the prosecution was yet to close its case.

Daudu disagreed with Pinhero’s submission.

The defence lawyer argued that the instant document, which is a judgment of another court, was relevant in the case at hand.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite held that the admissibility of documents is strictly guided by law as far as it satisfies the provision of Sections 102 and 104 of the Evidence Act.

The judge listed the parameters to be considered to include “whether the facts are pleaded, whether the documents are relevant and whether the documents are admissible.”

He said it was indeed glaring that the document sought to be tender in the case of Ali Bello Vs AISA was relevant to the fact in issue.

He said the same document was a certified true copy of a judgment of FCT HIGh instituted by one Ali Bello.

He said the court was inclined to agree with the counsel to the ex-governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, that the argument of the anti-graft agency’s lawyer, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, was preemitive.

According to the judge, moreover, the court has since moved away from the platform of technicalities to the platform of substantial justice.

“Consequently, the argument of the prosecution that the defence cannot present the document is hereby discountenance

“Having said that, the objection of the prosecution is indeed preemitive, consequently, the objection of the learner counsel to the prosecution is hereby overruled,” he ruled.

Justice Nwite therefore admitted the document in evidence and marked as Exhibit 19.(NAN)

 Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says effective deployment of emerging information technologies can fast track the diversification of the nation’s economy.

Mbah said this Wednesday while inaugurating the South-East Zonal Office of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Enugu.

Nigeria’s economy is largely dependent on the oil sector with agriculture, industry and service sectors also making significant contributions according to National Bureau Statistics records.

The governor said that there was compelling need to diversify the economy, expressing optimism that investment into the Information Technology space would do the magic.

He said that opening NITDA office in Enugu would open more horizons for the Nigerian youths and move the country closer to the dream of diversifying its economic streams.

“It is an opportunity for our teeming youths to have a platform to improve themselves to lifelong skills that will prepare them for the dynamic global world space today and tomorrow.

“The need and urgency to diversify our economy, both at national and sub-national levels, has never been more compelling than now.

“There are few sectors that hold the opportunities for us to accomplish that like the Information Technology space,” he said.

He said that merely having the opportunities without bringing them to fruition would not bring about the desired economic results.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said that the Enugu Zonal Office would serve as a permanent bridge between national policy and local talents.

Tijani said that inauguration of the NITDA Regional Office in Enugu meant the establishment of a permanent bridge between national policy and local potential.

According to him, this in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to reposition Nigeria’s economic fortunes.

“It is a strategic move under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu- a commitment to decentralising opportunity, deepening inclusion, and unlocking the full power of Nigeria’s digital economy across every region.

“By placing NITDA closer to the people right here in the South-East, we are saying clearly that no region should have to wait for innovation to reach them.

“Innovation must grow with them,” he said.

The minister explained that the NITDA office would serve as an engine room for digital skills development, through programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.

“There will be support for startups and indigenous tech solutions.

“There will also be regulatory advisory to help businesses thrive within the frameworks that protect Nigerians,” he said. (NAN) 

 The police on Thursday arraigned a 45-year-old man, Muritala Akinniyi before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court Ibadan over an alleged car theft.

Akinniyi, whose address was not stated, was charged with conspiracy and theft, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Insp Olagoke Adegbenro told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Feb.

He alleged that the defendant and others at large stole a Toyota Corolla car worth N1.85 million, belonging to one Sylvester Guobadia.

He said the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Olasinmibo Sanusi-Zubair granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until July 15, for hearing. (NAN)