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Drama as EFCC Witness Counters Agency’s Allegations of Threats in Ali Bello’s Trial 

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Drama erupted on Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that its main witness, Rabiu Musa, in the suit filed against Ali Bello and his co-defendant, Daudu Suleiman, had been scared away from trial.

The witness, an Abuja-based Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, was alleged to have been threatened, following his appearance at the last trial.

The development was said to have scared him away from today’s trial.

The EFCC’s lawyer, Hannatu Kofarnaisa, made the allegations at the resumed trial before Justice James Omotosho.

When the matter was called, Kofarnaisa told Justice Omotoso that Musa would not be in court to continue his evidence-in-chief in the matter.

She alleged that it was based on the witness’ experience of threats at the last adjourned date, adding that she had called the witness five times but that he was no longer picking her calls.

Abdullahi Aliu, SAN, who appeared for Ali Bello, told the court that he would not react to the EFCC’s allegations because they were not targeted at his client and did not oppose the request for an adjournment.

Drama, however, unfolded when the witness alleged to have been threatened from giving his evidence, suddenly walked into the courtroom without any signs of apprehension.

Ali Bello’s counsel got up and drew the attention of the judge to the quiet arrival of the witness into the courtroom.

Justice Omotoso however doused the tension by preventing the defence lawyers from joining issues with the anti-graft agencies on the allegations.

Meanwhile, in his testimony, the witness identified one of his record books of transactions seized from him by EFCC during a raid of his office at Wuse in Abuja and also admitted knowing Ali Bello.

During cross-examination by Daudu Suleiman’s lawyer, Nureni Jimoh, SAN, the BDC operator, who claimed to be an illiterate, said most of the transactions were recorded for him by one of his workers named Mubarak who he said was literate and now a student at a university.

He also admitted that parts of the transactions were recorded in his absence but that he was always briefed upon his arrival at the office.

Justice Omotoso thereafter adjourned the matter until Feb. 22 and Feb  23 for trail continuation.

Reports says that the EFCC had, on Dec. 15, 2022, arraigned Bello and Suleiman on a 10-count charge of alleged misappropriation and money laundering.(NAN)

Health

Salt Awareness Week: CAPPA Urges Fed Govt to Accelerate Salt Reduction Targets Regulation

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Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the formulation of regulations for enforcing salt targets in processed and packaged foods, critical to checkmating the country’s growing prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

In a statement to mark World Salt Awareness Week 2025, the nongovernmental organisation (NGO) referenced World Health Organisation (WHO) data showing that reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective measures countries can take to improve population health outcomes.

CAPPA in the statement by Robert Egbe,

Media & Communications Officer, insisted that WHO Member States are on a plan to reduce the global population’s intake of salt by 30 percent by the end of this year.

But most countries, including Nigeria, are unlikely to meet the deadline.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), between seven and nine grams of salt daily, far exceeding the WHO recommended limit of five grams (equivalent to 2 grams of sodium). 

Consequently, no less than 10 per cent of cardiovascular disease deaths in the country are attributed to excess sodium consumption. Sodium overconsumption has also been tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35 per cent of adult Nigerians.

“This is too heavy a burden for the health sector to bear, and the issue is a major contributor to Nigeria’s alarming burden of noncommunicable diseases,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA.

Oluwafemi reaffirmed CAPPA’s support for the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction recently launched by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. 

He also urged the Ministry to ramp up support to the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) which is drafting the regulations.

The statement noted that cultural practices, rapid urbanization, deceptive marketing and changing lifestyles are tilting Nigerians’ dietary patterns towards ultra-processed foods high in sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats. 

“This makes the need for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on food packages a necessity. Furthermore, manufacturers should also be compelled to reformulate their recipes to reduce the salt content of their products without compromising quality,” the statement added.

World Salt Awareness Week is observed from May 12th to 18th and aims to raise awareness about the impact of excess salt intake on health and promote healthy dietary habits.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the formulation of regulations for enforcing salt targets in processed and packaged foods, critical to checkmating the country’s growing prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

In a statement to mark World Salt Awareness Week 2025, the nongovernmental organisation (NGO) referenced World Health Organisation (WHO) data showing that reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective measures countries can take to improve population health outcomes.

CAPPA in the statement by Robert Egbe,

Media & Communications Officer, insisted that WHO Member States are on a plan to reduce the global population’s intake of salt by 30 percent by the end of this year. But most countries, including Nigeria, are unlikely to meet the deadline.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), between seven and nine grams of salt daily, far exceeding the WHO recommended limit of five grams (equivalent to 2 grams of sodium). 

Consequently, no less than 10 per cent of cardiovascular disease deaths in the country are attributed to excess sodium consumption. Sodium overconsumption has also been tied to the alarming rise in hypertension, now affecting over 35 per cent of adult Nigerians.

“This is too heavy a burden for the health sector to bear, and the issue is a major contributor to Nigeria’s alarming burden of noncommunicable diseases,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA.

Oluwafemi reaffirmed CAPPA’s support for the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction recently launched by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. 

He also urged the Ministry to ramp up support to the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) which is drafting the regulations.

The statement noted that cultural practices, rapid urbanization, deceptive marketing and changing lifestyles are tilting Nigerians’ dietary patterns towards ultra-processed foods high in sodium, sugar and unhealthy fats. 

“This makes the need for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on food packages a necessity. Furthermore, manufacturers should also be compelled to reformulate their recipes to reduce the salt content of their products without compromising quality,” the statement added.

World Salt Awareness Week is observed from May 12th to 18th and aims to raise awareness about the impact of excess salt intake on health and promote healthy dietary habits.

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General News

Gov. Otu Assents to Three Laws to Advance Governance in Cross River State.

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From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 


Governor Bassey Edet Otu has signed three significant laws aimed at improving infrastructure, regulating the gaming industry, and enhancing social welfare across Cross River State.

The newly assented laws include the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law, 2025, the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, 2025, and the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Law, 2025.

These legislative milestones reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to its “People First” agenda.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otu described the legislation as timely and strategic, emphasizing their alignment with his government’s development priorities.

“These laws are coming at the right time, and I would like to appreciate the Speaker of the House and the entire Assembly members for their good work,” the governor stated. “The Road Maintenance Agency Law ensures that our roads are constantly maintained and prioritized. The Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law is important because, without regulation, we’re losing potential revenue. As for the Senior Citizens Centre, it is a crucial part of our welfarist policy. We are a people-first government, and we prioritize everyone.”

Explaining the specifics of each law, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Law introduces a new funding mechanism requiring each of the 18 local government councils to allocate 4% of their monthly Federation Account receipts to the agency. This, he said, will guarantee steady road repairs and maintenance throughout the state.

The Senior Citizens Centre Law, he added, seeks to establish a central facility in each of the three senatorial districts, starting in the state capital, Calabar, to serve the needs of vulnerable retirees and the aged. Subsequently, sub-centres will be put in place in each local government headquarters to support vulnerable elderly residents. “This law underscores the governor’s welfarist vision,” Ayambem said.

On the Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law, the Speaker noted that the legislation is in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling empowering states to regulate gaming activities. The law, which comprises 12 parts, 102 sections, and two schedules, creates a framework for managing, licensing, and generating revenue from the gaming sector in Cross River.

Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reforms that directly impact the lives of residents, stressing that these laws mark a step forward in infrastructure renewal, economic management, and social inclusion.

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General News

Niger Gov Approves Six Months Maternity Leave For Civil Servants.

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

 Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state, has approved six months maternity leave for Niger State female civil servants.

The governor gave the approval during the State Executive Council meeting at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Minna.

Governor Bago explained that the six months maternity leave was aimed at affording women ample time to take good care of themselves and their newborns, as well as help them become more productive when they resume.

He  directed the Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq Idris, to work out modalities for proper implementation of the policy.

The policy was approved by the farmer governor as part of efforts aimed at protecting maternal and child health in line with international best practices.

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