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Kogi Reporters, Adankolo, Lokoja (2025)

27/06/2025

EFCC Opposes Yahaya Bello’s Bid for Medical Trip Abroad, Court Sets Ruling for July 21

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly opposed an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking permission to travel overseas for medical treatment amid his ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial.

During proceedings on Thursday, June 27, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Bello’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), J.B. Daudu, asked the court to consider the health needs of the former governor. The defence submitted a 22-paragraph affidavit—reportedly backed by a medical report and a letter from a consultant cardiologist—stating that Bello urgently needs treatment not available locally.

Daudu told the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, that the application was made under Section 173(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the court’s inherent powers. He emphasized that the release of Bello’s passport, surrendered under his bail terms, was the primary request, insisting that the former governor is not a flight risk and has not left the country in over eight years.

However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, vehemently opposed the motion, calling it an abuse of court process. Pinheiro pointed out that Bello had filed similar applications across different courts, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, creating procedural confusion.

Raising five key objections, the prosecution argued that the motion was flawed, particularly because Bello’s sureties were not consulted or included—potentially jeopardizing their

19/06/2025

Third Attack on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Family Home Foiled by Vigilantes

Gunmen launched another assault on the family residence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, located in the Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Tuesday. This marks the third reported attack on the lawmaker’s family house in recent months, with a previous incident occurring in April.

The latest attack was swiftly repelled by local vigilantes and concerned youths, who acted promptly to protect the property and prevent damage.

During the confrontation, one suspect was apprehended at the scene. According to local sources, the individual confessed to participating in the attack and admitted involvement in two previous assaults on the property. A cutlass and some charms were recovered from him at the time of his arrest.

The suspect has since been handed over to the police for further investigation, while other attackers, reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, remain at large. Authorities are continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

19/06/2025

Court Grants Bail to Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Defamation Case

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has granted bail to the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The bail was set at ₦50 million, with the requirement of one surety — a person of integrity who owns landed property in Abuja.

Justice Chizoba Orji, who delivered the ruling, rejected the Federal Government’s request for the Senator to be remanded in prison pending the conclusion of her trial. The judge noted that there was enough evidence to demonstrate the defendant's willingness to attend her trial.

Citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Justice Orji ruled that the defendant was entitled to bail. The case has been adjourned to September 23 for trial.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on a three-count charge stemming from a statement she made during a live appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today. She allegedly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her — a claim the government says was false and defamatory.

According to the charge (CR/297/25), her actions contravened Section 391 of the Penal Code, and the offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law. The charge claims that her comments were made with the intent to harm the reputation of those involved.

The list of witnesses includes Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello, along with two police investigators (Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba), Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Sandra Duru.

This criminal charge followed a letter written by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, in which she accused the police of bias in their investigation of her complaints against the Senate President.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja is set to rule on June 27 on the legality of her six-month suspension from the Senate. The suspension came after a confrontation on the Senate floor on February 20, during which she challenged changes to her seating arrangement and was repeatedly overruled by Senate President Akpabio.

Following the incident, she was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee and later suspended. In a February 28 television interview, she alleged that her issues with the Senate stemmed from rejecting unwanted advances from the Senate President.

She has since filed an ex-parte motion, asking the court to declare any actions taken by the Senate Committee during her ongoing legal battle — including her suspension — null and void.

18/06/2025

A young lady identified as Aladi Offikwu Johnson, also known as Tessy, from Benue State, was tragically found dead in a hotel on 3rd Avenue, Gwarinpa. Her hands were tied behind her back. This occurred just hours after she checked in with an unidentified man who later left the premises alone.

15/06/2025

Nigeria Intensifies Efforts to Revive Ajaokuta Steel with Strategic China Partnership

In a renewed bid to breathe life into Nigeria’s dormant steel sector, top government officials have held strategic talks with executives of Sino Steel, one of China’s leading industrial conglomerates. The discussions, which took place as part of broader efforts to industrialise under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, centred on the long-stalled revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The Nigerian delegation was led by Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe. The meeting focused on technical assessments, operational strategies, and financing models necessary to return Ajaokuta Steel to full-scale productivity.

Originally built to produce 1.9 million tonnes of steel annually—with the potential to scale up to 5 million tonnes—the Ajaokuta facility is viewed as a linchpin for Nigeria’s industrial transformation. Key sectors like construction, automotive manufacturing, and heavy machinery could significantly benefit from its revival.

Tegbe characterised the meeting as a “decisive and solutions-driven dialogue,” underscoring the alignment between Nigeria’s industrial goals and China’s technical capabilities. Sino Steel signalled strong interest in the partnership and committed to dispatching a technical team to Nigeria soon for an on-ground viability assessment of the steel plant.

Following the evaluation, Sino Steel is expected to submit a detailed proposal that includes a phased plan for modernising the facility and boosting output. Minister Audu stressed that the Federal Government is fully committed to transforming the steel sector from a long-standing aspiration into a real economic engine.

He highlighted the importance of collaborating with reputable international firms like Sino Steel to deliver a globally competitive steel industry.

This latest development adds to a series of high-level engagements between Nigerian and Chinese stakeholders, reinforcing both nations’ shared vision for deepening cooperation in infrastructure, industrialisation, and technology transfer.

14/06/2025

A tragic incident occurred in the Tudun-Wadan Pantami area of Gombe metropolis, where a powerful electrical surge from a transformer resulted in the deaths of five residents and left 13 others injured.

The Gombe State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the event in a statement released on Saturday morning.

14/06/2025

Kogi State Government Appointees Back Tinubu-Ododo 2027 Continuity Agenda

Government appointees in Kogi State have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s re-election bid, citing their strong performance and transformative leadership.

At a press briefing held in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Combined State Government Appointees Forum, Hon. Bode Adeyemi, emphasized the need to consolidate on the progress made under the current administration. He credited President Tinubu with steering the nation away from economic and security decline and placing Nigeria firmly on a trajectory of development and stability.

“The administration’s economic reforms, improved security architecture, infrastructure investment, and education and health sector improvements have repositioned Nigeria for shared prosperity,” Adeyemi stated.

The forum applauded key policy decisions by the Tinubu-led government, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the significant financial empowerment of state governments. They also noted the federal government’s strides in infrastructural development as key achievements.

Governor Ododo’s leadership was equally lauded for being people-centered and progressive, with officials highlighting his efforts in transforming Kogi into one of the most rapidly advancing states in the country.

In a show of commitment, the appointees vowed to galvanize support across all wards to secure 239,000 verifiable votes for Tinubu and all party candidates in the 2027 general elections. They unveiled the formation of a new political platform, the Kogi Continuity Mandate, to coordinate grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement.

Governor Ododo has been named the Grand Patron of the group, while Deputy Governor Joel Salifu will chair its Board of Trustees. Various operational committees—including political strategy, media outreach, and social intervention projects—have also been established to drive the movement’s objectives.

The forum, comprising commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, and local and ward-level aides, made a formal declaration of loyalty and support for the Tinubu-Ododo continuity ticket, pledging to sustain the current momentum of growth and governance delivery in both state and federal levels.

14/06/2025

About 200 people, including five soldiers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and children, were reportedly killed in a fresh attack by suspected terrorist herdsmen on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

13/06/2025

Who’s Behind the Trending Igala Song "Ajamalede"?

The name on everyone’s lips right now in Kogi State and beyond is Agih Moral—the Igala-born musical sensation behind the viral hit “Ajamalede.”

Born Agih Unekwu Ójó, he hails from Ẹ́nábò in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Known for his lyrical depth, cultural fusion, and dynamic performance style, Agih Moral has long been a respected figure in the Kogi music scene. He’s not just an artist—he’s a trailblazer, widely regarded as a voice of his generation.

His earlier song, “Fitumi,” became an anthem at Kogi State University, Anyigba—where he first started making waves and inspiring fellow creatives. Many credit him with helping to raise awareness and pride among emerging talents in the region.

With “Ajamalede,” Agih Moral is reaching new heights. The song—a powerful blend of Igala culture and modern hip-hop—has become a soundtrack at Igala gatherings and is now dominating airwaves in Abuja and across the Middle Belt. It’s more than a hit; it’s a cultural movement.

Notably, Ajamalede has introduced a new energy to the scene with the popular Igala dance “Ogba” becoming its signature. The fusion of rhythm, roots, and modernity is pushing Igala music onto a larger stage—exactly where it belongs.

🎧 Go listen to Ajamalede today—feel the vibe, move to the beat, and witness the rise of Igala sound.

13/06/2025

Kogi will be great again

13/06/2025

Dear Senator Echocho,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to respectfully bring to your attention the dire condition of the Ogugu Centre–Ofante–Unyi Ogugu Road. This road, which serves as a vital link to our community, has become completely inaccessible. It is now so overgrown with bushes that not even a bicycle can pass through, let alone vehicles. This has made life extremely difficult for residents who have to trek long distances or rely on motorcycles to get to and from the city.

Beyond the road, our community is facing several other challenges. We no longer have a functioning primary school, access to clean water is nonexistent, and basic infrastructure has completely deteriorated. Ogugu is in urgent need of development, and we kindly appeal for your intervention.

I am aware that senators carry out constituency projects, and while I believe you may be working on initiatives, we humbly ask that you also consider our community as a priority. Kindly use your good office to reach out to the relevant state authorities, including the Governor of Kogi State, to help bring relief to Ogugu. As of today, we have not seen any tangible government project in our area.

Please, we are counting on your leadership and representation to help change the narrative for our community. We know change is possible, and with your support, we believe Ogugu can rise again.

Thank you, and may your service continue to bring positive impact across Kogi East.

___From a concerned citizen

13/05/2024

Breaking.
Kogi governorship election: Court reserves judgment.

The kogi state governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja on Monday has reserved judgement.

Justice Birnin-Kudu after taking arguments from all parties, reserved judgment in the petition.

He announced that a date for judgment would be communicated to the parties.

Recall that SDP and Ajaka had approached the tribunal to challenge Ododo’s victory in the November. 11, 2023, Kogi governorship elections.

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