Top Stories of the Week: Chibok Anniversary, Chess Marathon Record, Price Enforcement, Legal Troubles for Cubana Chief Priest and Yahaya Bello

1.Yahaya Bello’s Evading Arrest by EFCC:

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been embroiled in a legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), facing allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N84 billion.

• Arrest Attempt: The EFCC attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, but the operation was reportedly thwarted by armed intervention led by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo. This intervention prevented the EFCC from taking Bello into custody.
• Police Withdrawal: Following the incident, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers previously attached to Bello. This action was seen as a response to the Nigerian Immigration Service placing Bello on a watchlist after the EFCC declared him wanted for alleged money laundering.
• Detained Police Officer: Additionally, a female police officer who served as the aide-de-camp to the former governor was detained by the Nigeria Police Force. She was held alongside other officers on suspicion of aiding Bello’s escape from the EFCC operatives attempting to arrest him.
• Response from Bello’s Camp: Bello’s media office accused the EFCC of persecution, citing duplicated charges and questioning the agency’s motives. Bello and three other suspects are facing 19 counts related to money laundering.

2. 10th Chibok Anniversary: This week marked the 10th anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, by the Boko Haram terrorist group. Despite efforts, 87 girls remain missing. Amnesty International criticized the government’s failure to rescue the girls and called for accountability, while security analysts highlighted the need for improved strategies to address abduction.

3. Chess Marathon Record Attempt: Chess player Tunde Onakoya attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest unbeaten chess marathon, aiming to raise $1 million for children’s education in Africa. He embarked on a 58-hour quest in Times Square, New York, and ultimately surpassed the goal, playing for 60 hours. Notable figures like President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima showed support for his endeavor.

4. FG Enforces Prices: The Federal Government initiated enforcement raids at multiple supermarkets and markets within the Federal Capital Territory to ensure compliance with price display and quantity regulations, aiming to reduce the cost of food commodities nationwide. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission conducted the raids to eliminate grocery store price gouging and illegal pricing schemes. The FCCPC sealed 4U Supermarket in Abuja and evacuated bags of rice reportedly filled with weevils.

5. Cubana Chief Priest’s Trial: Lagos-based socialite Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged abuse of the naira note. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties. His trial is scheduled to commence on May 2. The charges stemmed from allegations that he sprayed N500 notes at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act 2007.

6.Dunamis Testimony Saga:

Vera Anyim’s testimony at Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja sparked controversy when she claimed to have graduated with a “BSc in Law.” The church’s Senior Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche interrupted her testimony, questioning the credibility of her academic credentials and language proficiency.

• Resolution: Anyim later clarified on Facebook that she actually graduated with a Third Class from the National Open University of Nigeria. She stated that she holds no grudge against the church and emphasized her determination to move forward positively despite the ordeal.
• Church’s Statement: The church issued a statement explaining that concerns were raised regarding Anyim’s language proficiency and the clarity of her academic credentials. The Senior Pastor’s actions were said to be in line with the church’s commitment to upholding standards of excellence and integrity within the church community.

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