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P & ID: EFCC Asks Court To Reject Briton’s Plea For Bail Variation
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday urged the Federal High Court, Abuja, not to grant the bail variation application filed by a British national, James Nolan.
The EFCC Counsel, Bala Sanga, who made the request, told Justice Okon Abang that the Commission would file a counter-affidavit on the matter. Sanga said Nolan’s counsel, Chris Ezugwu, served on him the further affidavit, seeking the court’s leave to grant their request, on Wednesday.
He said: “I apply for a shift in the date to take our arguments, My Lord, in order to enable us to file a counter-affidavit in response to further affidavit served on us less than 24 hours before the court sitting. “We were served about 2:00 p.m. yesterday (Wednesday).”
The prosecution counsel, therefore, prayed the court to give him some days to file his counter-affidavit on Nolan’s request.
The defendant’s counsel who acknowledged serving the fresh application on Sanga the previous day objected to the EFCC’s plea for adjournment.
Justice Abang, thereafter, adjourned proceeding till December 6 for further hearing of the application. He said the move was necessary for the interest of justice.
Justice Abang said: “I think it is in the interest of justice to adjourn this matter to enable the prosecution to respond to further affidavit serve on them by the defendant’s counsel.”
Shortly after the court sitting, Sanga told journalists that the Commission was against Nolan’s plea for bail variation because of the peculiar circumstances of the case.
“We are opposed to the court making the conditions of bail lighter because there are some documents from Nigeria Immigration Service that are indicative of the fact that Nolan committed immigration quota trafficking and possibly could be illegal alien,” he stated.
The EFCC’s lawyer stressed Nolan might jump bail if the request is granted. Justice Abang had on November 7 granted the Briton bail in the sum of N500 million.
The judge also ordered the applicant to produce a surety in like sum, who must be a Nigerian and a serving senator not standing any criminal trial in any court in Nigeria.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
