- Yahaya Bello’s arraignment, rescheduled before the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been postponed
- His arraignment was postponed as his defence team disclosed ongoing legal proceedings at the Supreme Court
- The former Governor of Kogi State had sued the EFCC for declaring him wanted amid money laundering allegations
The former governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, who is currently facing 19 counts of allegations involving laundering N80.2 billion has sued the EFCC in the Supreme Court for declaring him wanted.
Yahaya Bello was rescheduled to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, September 25.
Bello’s lawyer requests postponement due to pending Supreme Court appeal
However, as court proceedings commenced, his legal team, led by attorney A. M. Adoyi, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of an active appeal regarding the arrest warrant issued against Bello on April 17. This appeal was filed with an affidavit of record on September 23.
In light of the pending Supreme Court appeal, Adoyi requested that the court delay the arraignment until a ruling is rendered. “The appeal numbers are SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024. We believe it is most appropriate to await the Supreme Court's decision on these appeals before proceeding with the arraignment,” Adoyi stated.
In response, EFCC lawyer Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to take disciplinary action against Bello's legal counsel, alleging that the attorney was undermining the integrity of the judiciary.
EFCC lawyer criticises Bello's counsel
Pinheiro pointed out that the lawyer was present on Bello’s defence team when the court ruled it would no longer consider any motions from the defendant until he appeared for trial.
“My lord, what counsel to the defendant has demonstrated before this court is nothing but the audacity of irresponsibility.
“I urge this court to impose its coercive powers to let him know that the court is not a place for entertainment,” he stated.
“My lord, what counsel to the defendant has demonstrated before this court is nothing but the audacity of irresponsibility.
Court adjourns Bello’s trial
The prosecution also pointed out that instead of attending his trial, Bello claimed to have visited the EFCC's office.
He said, “What is worrisome is that the defendant, by his own admission, went to the EFCC’s car park holding the hands of a person with immunity, who came with full compliment of all the paraphernalia and security of his office.”
Following the arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter, with a ruling scheduled for October 30.
Court of Appeal overrides Kogi High Court, permits EFCC to prosecute Yahaya Bello
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is facing 19 counts of money laundering, filed multiple motions challenging the EFCC and court’s authority.
The Court of Appeal criticised the trial judge for releasing Bello despite having the charge in hand, deeming the action scandalous.