On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Yahaya Adoza Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, found himself embroiled in legal proceedings based on charges presented by the EFCC, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The judge ruled that Bello should receive his charges through his legal representative, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN), as he had once again failed to appear in court.
The charges leveled against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are serious, alleging money laundering totaling N80,246,470,089.88. Alongside Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu are also facing prosecution on 19-count charges related to the alleged financial misconduct.
During the hearing, Bello’s legal counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), argued for the dismissal of the arrest warrant issued against Bello. Adedipe contended that the recent service of charges to Bello through his counsel invalidated the warrant, stressing the importance of upholding principles of justice in the proceedings.
In opposition, the prosecution, represented by Kemi Piniero (SAN), urged the court to refrain from considering any motions from Bello’s legal team until the defendant appears in court for his arraignment. Piniero underscored the severity of the charges against Bello and emphasized the necessity of his physical presence in court for the trial to proceed.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite postponed the ruling on the defense’s request to revoke the arrest warrant against Bello. The adjournment until May 10, 2024, reflects the court’s cautious approach in ensuring fairness and transparency in a case of significant allegations of financial impropriety.
Follow us on Socials: