Sagacious Tochi

05/05/2026

NewsJudge Knocks EFCC, Frees Oyo-Ita After Six-year Corruption TrialPublished May 5, 2026 at 3:20 PMBy Richard Ogunsile
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Oyo-ItaWinifred Oyo-Ita
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, discharged and acquitted a former Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, of money laundering charges involving ₦570 million.

Naija News reports that the judgment came six years after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an 18-count charge against her and eight others over allegations bordering on fraud, kickbacks, Duty Tour Allowances, estacodes and conference fees.

Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling on separate no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants, held that the applications had merit and that the prosecution failed to establish a case requiring the defendants to enter a defence.

The judge said the case filed by the EFCC “was built on the quicksand of speculations, suspicions and shoddy investigation.”

“I must say here that the case presented by the prosecution has no weight whatsoever,” Omotosho said.

‘EFCC Failed To Prove Predicate Offence’
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to prove the crucial elements of money laundering.

According to him, before a defendant can be called to answer a money laundering charge, the prosecution must first establish a predicate offence showing that the money in question was derived from unlawful activity.

He said, “Crucial elements of money laundering offences, which are the establishment of a predicate offence, were glaringly absent in this case presented by the prosecution.”

The judge added that the EFCC did not present evidence showing that the funds mentioned in the charge were proceeds of crime.

He said the law required proof that the money was tainted by illegality before issues of concealment, disguise or conversion could arise.

“The law is clear that to establish money laundering offences, the prosecution is expected to establish a predicate offence first before the issues of disguising, concealing the origin or conversion of properties come in,” he said.

Omotosho said the prosecution merely alleged that money was paid into the account of Frontline Ace Global Resources Limited without explaining what the payments were for or proving that they were illegal.

According to him, it was not enough for the prosecution to say that money came from the Federal Ministry of Power.

“The prosecution did not provide any shred of evidence to show that the monies are tainted with illegality,” he said.

“It is not enough to simply say that monies were paid into the accounts from the Federal Ministry of Power without an explanation of what the payments were for.

“Relying on the scanty evidence of the prosecution will be engaging in speculations. Criminal trials require credible proof and not speculations or suspicions.

“Besides, there are no complaints from the Federal Ministry of Power alleging that monies were illegally paid into the accounts of the second defendant for which the 1st defendant is a signatory to the accounts.”

The judge held that the evidence led by the prosecution did not show that the sums mentioned in counts one, two, three and four were linked to unlawful activities.

‘Oyo-Ita Not Shareholder, Director In Companies’ – Judge
The court also held that Oyo-Ita, who was the first defendant in the case, was neither a shareholder nor a director in the companies allegedly linked to her.

Justice Omotosho noted that the EFCC’s seventh and eighth prosecution witnesses, who investigated the matter, admitted under evidence that the former Head of Service was not a shareholder or director in the companies.

29/11/2025

29/11/2025

Nnamdi Kanu is Handicapped as I Speak To You Now, He Cannot Even Do Anything.” — Opara Laments

SporthubsNov 29, 2025 2:36 PM

Maxwell Opara, the former lawyer representing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has raised alarm over his client’s transfer to a correctional facility in Sokoto State following a recent judgment. Opara argues this move effectively paralyzes Kanu’s ability to pursue his appeal, stating the distance and lack of necessary legal resources in Sokoto are creating significant barriers to justice. The legal team views this as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the constitutional right to appeal.

According to a video posted on the Official YouTube channel of SYMFONI, while lamenting the difficult circumstances surrounding his client, Maxwell Opara declared, "He's handicapped as I speak to you now, he cannot even do anything." This urgent plea underscored the critical issue of access to the Abuja Court of Appeal registry, which is required for filing essential legal documents. Without immediate access, cannot process the motions needed to meet his tight appeal deadline.

The challenge facing Kanu is compounded by the 90-day window for filing an appeal, a period that began ticking down after the judgment was delivered on the 20th of the month. Opara noted that several days have already elapsed, stressing that Kanu, who has been representing himself, needs to personally attend to the filing and settlement of the appeal records. The substantial logistical hurdle makes timely compliance with court processes nearly impossible.

Opara disclosed that a motion has been filed before the court requesting that Kanu be brought back to a more accessible location, such as Abuja or a nearby city, to his appeal filings. The lawyer questioned the rationale behind moving Kanu from an Abuja facility to Sokoto, suggesting that the security considerations cited for the transfer are unconvincing and legally challenging.

29/11/2025

just a little time

29/11/2025

A new wave of violence swept through the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin axis in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State on Saturday, after armed men launched an attack that sent residents and travellers running for safety.

The incident, which occurred suddenly in the afternoon, caused confusion along the stretch as people abandoned vehicles and homes to avoid being caught in the raid. Witnesses said gunshots rang out for several minutes before the attackers moved deeper into the forest.

As of press time, the number of people abducted could not be confirmed, with local authorities saying information from the area remained unclear. The attack has heightened anxiety across neighbouring communities, where many residents have opted to remain indoors. Motorists are also said to be taking alternative routes to avoid the corridor.
Security agencies were alerted shortly after the assault began, and operatives were reportedly mobilising to the area to assess the situation and begin search operations.
Saturday’s attack comes barely days after a major coordinated assault by gunmen along major highways in Kogi, which left two security personnel dead and several passengers abducted.

18/09/2025

Speaking on Wednesday at the Democracy Dialogue of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, Kukah applauded Jonathan’s 2015 decision to concede defeat.

He noted that Jonathan had the power and resources to resist the outcome of the election but instead chose peace.
Kukah, however, warned the former president to be cautious as he weighs calls to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Quoting former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma, Kukah said: “The voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God. Listen very carefully to those who want to use you as an instrument for the elongation of their interests, and not your interests or the interests of Nigeria.”

He urged Jonathan to reflect deeply, pray, and make a decision guided by conscience and the national interest.

He said: “I therefore want to end by saying, first of all, it’s a great honor, President Jonathan, for me to be here. When you took that decision on March, 31, 2015, he’s written a little book, which you should read ‘My Transition Hours’, when you took that decision, was one of those moments that it was between yourself, your conscience, your God against the run of play. O the 31st of March, 2015, even before the elections had concluded, when you made that call, you were answering what to me was more or less a divine call.

“And by taking that decision, not only did you reverse, and I think your successor made the point himself over and over that you had all the military, you had all the paraphernalia of power around you.

“It would have been possible to instigate a war, but by taking that decision, in my view, the people of Athens entrusted into your hands, a touch of hope, a touch of what democracy should look like, the honor, the dignity, the sense of sacrifice, that is what democracy is all about.

17/09/2025

According to a According to a report by Metro Sport, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has expressed surprise over Arsenal’s decision to sign Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window.

Gyokeres, who joined from Sporting CP for an initial £55 million fee that could rise to £63.5 million, has already scored three goals in his first four Premier League appearances.

Saha believes the Swedish forward offers qualities different from Arsenal’s previous attacking options but noted that he does not view him as a particularly skilful player.



He compared the signing to Arsenal’s earlier approach with Gabriel Jesus, who could create his own chances, and pointed out that Gyokeres is more of a traditional striker.

According to him, the forward’s direct style could be effective, even thou by Metro Sport, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has expressed surprise over Arsenal’s decision to sign Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window.

Gyokeres, who joined from Sporting CP for an initial £55 million fee that could rise to £63.5 million, has already scored three goals in his first four Premier League appearances.

Saha believes the Swedish forward offers qualities different from Arsenal’s previous attacking options but noted that he does not view him as a particularly skilful player.

He compared the signing to Arsenal’s earlier approach with Gabriel Jesus, who could create his own chances, and pointed out that Gyokeres is more of a traditional striker.

According to him, the forward’s direct style could be effective, even though it contrasts with the football Arsenal are known for under Mikel Arteta.

“For Viktor Gyokeres, it will take time [to settle at Arsenal],” former United striker Saha told Flashscore bookmaker offers.

”I’m surprised in some way – because he is definitely not a skilful player.

”Arsenal [previously] went to Gabriel Jesus, who was able to [create his own chances] a bit, then Arsenal almost played with no strikers.

17/09/2025

Insecurity: CSO petitions US, UK, seeks travel ban on Zamfara governor
A civil society organisation, Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, CCN, has petitioned the United States, US, and United Kingdom, UK, governments, demanding a travel ban on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State over his inability to end terrorism amd banditry in the state.

CCN expressed concern that, despite the information the governor boasts he has on the location and activities of bandits and terrorists in his state, he has failed to act towards putting an end to the bloodshed in the state.

The petitions were dated September 16, 2025, and signed by Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, Executive Secretary of CCN.

In the petition, the CSO alleged that failure to act and stop the unending bloodshed means Governor Lawal is incapable to lead the state and should therefore resign.

The group, in the same vein, demanded the freezing of all assets traceable to the governor in the US and UK.

Parts of the petition read, “If he (Governor Lawal) has an lota of shame in him and he is truly powerless as he claims, then honor should have compelled him to resign. Of what relevance is a leader whose performance is defined by absolute incompetence?

“Your Excellency, it is understood that the moral universe demands consistency for continuity. It is in good record that the United States has repeatedly sanctioned and ostracized leaders known to be complicit in terror across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Not acting on Dauda Lawal would send a message around the world that the lives of Nigeria citizens are cheaper, and that their suffering is also negotiable.

“We therefore humbly but firmly request that the United States Government, acting through your distinguished mission, declare Governor Dauda Lawal persona non grata. We urge that such designation extend beyond a symbolic and regular travel ban, but include: Denying him entry into the United States, and free

16/09/2025

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has shared details about a past relationship that left her feeling disrespected and emotionally drained. She explained that she once dated a popular celebrity who never wanted their relationship to be public.
According to a report by Sun Nigeria on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, according to Tiwa, the man would act as if they were strangers whenever they attended events together. To hide their connection, he spent time laughing, talking, and even getting physically close to other women while Tiwa was right there watching. He created the impression that he was single, even though they were together in private.

For Tiwa, the situation became very difficult. She felt like she had no voice and could not confront him openly, since his actions were part of his plan to keep their relationship hidden. Even when she was uncomfortable, she was expected to stay quiet and pretend everything was fine.
She described the experience as disrespectful because she was left standing aside while the man openly entertained other women in front of her. The emotional pressure of watching this behavior repeatedly made the relationship exhausting and painful.

In her words, “He had it good. We might be at the same event, and he’s probably talking, laughing, even touching other ladies while still looking at me like, ‘Don’t worry, I’m just doing it.’ And I couldn’t say anything. It was happening right in front of me.”

16/09/2025

John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea star, has explained why Arsenal are being admired across the Premier League. According to him, Mikel Arteta currently manages the strongest squad in England. However, Mikel believes the Premier League title race will be primarily contested by Chelsea and Liverpool.

Arsenal are eager to finally win the league after three consecutive second-place finishes. In pursuit of this goal, they invested more than £250 million in the summer transfer window to strengthen key areas.
Viktor Gyökeres was brought in from Sporting Lisbon to provide a natural centre-forward option, while Martin Zubimendi replaced Thomas Partey in midfield. To improve attacking depth, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze were also signed to play out wide.

On The Obi One Podcast, Mikel applauded Arsenal’s ambition and their owners’ support of Arteta. He pointed out that Arsenal now boast two high-level players in every position, a trait they share with Liverpool. As a result, Mikel said Arteta no longer has any excuses and must target major trophies like the Premier League or Champions League—settling for domestic cups will not be acceptable.