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Suspended Accountant General Ahmed Idris seeks plea bargain – EFCC

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Nasiru Yusuf 

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) heard on Wednesday that suspended Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris and three others have reached out to the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) with a plea-bargain proposal in relation to their trial for alleged N109billion fraud.

KANO FOCUS reports that Idris, his Technical Assistant, Godfrey Olusegun Akindele; a director in the office of the AG-F, Mohammed Kudu Usman and a firm linked with Idris –  Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited – were arraigned on July 22 on a 14-count charge bordering on money laundering, stealing and criminal breach of trust.

Lead prosecuting lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) said Idris reached out to him through a third party for a meeting to work on ways to achieve a plea bargain arrangement as a way out.

Jacobs added that since Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) provides for plea bargain, he agreed to meet with the defendants at an office of the EFCC, but on the condition that their lawyers and EFCC’s investigators (who  handled the case) must be in attendance.

He said the meeting planned for the previous day (Tuesday) failed to hold because the defendants came without their lawyers.

Jacobs added that a lawyer from the first defendant’s (Idris’) legal team, who he identified as Kanayo, later came to where they were to meet to complain that they (the defendants’ lawyers) were not carried along.

“The first defendant sent a third party to me that he wanted a plea bargaining meeting and he wanted to meet me. That was  (Tuesday) in the morning. And I replied that I can not meet the defendants in the absence of their counsel.

“I added that by the nature of our calling, we must be opened and transparent. Section 270 of ACJA allows plea bargain. I told them to come with their lawyer and let us meet at the EFCC office and that I will also invite the investigators to be at the meeting.

“Kanayo, one of the counsel in the legal team of the first defendant, came to meet me at the EFCC office in Wuse 2 and protested that they were not carried along and that his clients would not come for the meeting.

“I spoke with Chief Chris Uche, SAN (who heads the first defendan’s legal team) for about 30 minutes to let him know that we (the EFCC) did not invite them and that the planned meeting was at their instance.

“None of the defendant entered EFCC’s office. So, they did not attend any meeting at the EFCC office,” Jacobs said.

The prosecuting lawyer spoke in response to complaints by lawyers to the defendants, who claimed that the EFCC invited their clients the previous day and prevented them from meeting with the defendants, who they further claimed were at the office of the EFCC for the better part of the day.

Lawyer to Idris and Gezawa (1st and 4th defendants), Gordy Uche (SAN), at the commencement of proceedings, objected to an application by Jacobs to tender some statements made by the first defendant.

Uche argued that Jacobs should not be allowed to tender  the statements because he (Uche) was yet to interview his client in relation to the documents.

He said: “I was to interview the first defendant on Tuesday, but I learnt he was in the office of the EFCC. We were, as counsel, not carried along.”

Uche argued that it was disrespectful of the court for the EFCC to invite the defendants without their lawyers’ knowledge when the case had already been charged to court.

He contended that the EFCC was expected to have concluded it’s investigation before charging the defendants to court.

Uche denied that his clients proposed plea bargain to the prosecution as claimed by Jacobs.

He said the standard practice was for the lawyer to a defendant to initiate such arrangement, not for such move to be made behind the lawyer to the defendant.

Uche prayed the court for adjournment to enable him confer with the first defendant .

Lawyers to Akindele and Usman (2nd and 3rd defendants) – Peter Abalaka and Ibrahim Isiyaku (SAN), who said they shared Uche’s position, also prayed for an adjournment to enable them confer with their clients.

Although Jacobs objected to the defence’s prayer for adjournment, Justice Jadesola Adeyemi-Ajayi acceded to the defendants’ request and  adjourn further hearing till October 4 this year.

Earlier, the judge ordered the revocation of the bail granted to Usman when, at the mention of the case, he was not in court, forcing the judge to suspend proceedings.

Later, before the day’s proceeding ends, his lawyer applied orally that the bail be restored, stating that his client, though arrived the court late, was held back by traffic.

Isiyaku claimed that a truck fell on along the Airport Road, which occasioned heavy traffic and prevented his client from arriving court early.

Ruling, Justice Adeyemi-Ajayi granted Isiyaku’s application and restored Usman’s bail.

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Kano govt reintroduces waste bins in public transport

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.

 

Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled

 

“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”

 

Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.

Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim flagging off the campaign

He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.

 

“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.

Street Sweepers on duty

 

“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”

 

He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.

Female Street Sweepers on duty

“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.

 

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Gov Yusuf to distribute free uniform to primary school pupils 

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.

 

A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

 

The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.

 

“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.

 

“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.

 

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Emirate tussle: Kano Govt urges security, others to obey Court of Appeal ruling

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

 

 

 

The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.

 

The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.

 

“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.

 

“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.

 

“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.

 

“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.

 

“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”

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