The Court of Appeal, Abuja on Tuesday ordered the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to appear before it for arraignment on corruption charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Bello is facing charges bordering on money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of about N80.2bn, during his time as governor of the state.
The appellate court also set aside the judgement delivered by Justice I.A Jamil of the Kogi State High Court, Lokoja, restraining the EFCC, from arresting, detaining and prosecuting former governor.
The Court also restrained Bello from taking further steps in the charge unless he is arraigned.
Bello’s whereabouts have been unknown since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, attempted to arrest him during a raid from his residence in Abuja, a few months ago.
Governor Usman Ododo had scuttled attempts by EFCC’s operatives to arrest Bello from his residence in Abuja.
Bello, who deferred arraignment and plea bargain, at the Federal High Court, Abuja on June 27, 2024, wrote the court a letter that he would prefer to be tried in his state.
However, the prosecution, Kemi Pinhero, asked the court to compel the defence lawyer to say why the defendant was not in court, despite an undertaking he made on June 13, to ensure his presence in court for his scheduled arraignment which has been adjourned multiple times.
Pinehero contended that the letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, did not discharge the undertaking made by Bello’s counsel at the previous sitting.
He said a situation where a petition is forwarded against a judge to the National Judicial Council, does not stop proceedings on cases pending before the judge.
He said the court should invite Bello’s counsels to show cause why they should not be dealt with for contemptuous conduct.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned proceedings to await response from the CJ on the matter.
He subsequently adjourned to September 25 for arraignment.
Appeal Court Orders Ex-Kogi Gov Bello To Appear For Arraignment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper