Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has stated his readiness to appear before a federal high court in Abuja, citing concerns over potential arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello is facing charges related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion. Despite the initial scheduled arraignment on April 18, Bello was absent from court, with his legal team explaining his apprehension about being detained by the EFCC.
Adeola Adedipe, a member of Bello’s legal team, emphasized their client’s desire to attend court proceedings but highlighted his fear of arrest based on an outstanding warrant issued against him.
Adedipe urged the court to revoke the warrant of arrest, arguing that the charges had not been properly served to Bello as required by law at the time the warrant was issued.
In response, Kemi Pinheiro, EFCC’s lawyer, maintained that the warrant could only be vacated once Bello is arraigned and enters his plea.
Earlier, the presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, directed that the charges be served to Bello through his lawyers by substituted means.
The court has scheduled May 10 to rule on the application to vacate the warrant of arrest, indicating a continuation of the legal proceedings surrounding Bello’s case.
