Yahaya Bello
Court fixes April 23 to rule on substituted service on Yahaya Bello
Discover the latest developments as the court prepares to rule on substituted service for Yahaya Bello on April 23rd.
An Abuja Federal High Court has scheduled April 23 for a decision regarding an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) request for an alternative method of serving the charges against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Justice Emeka Nwite set the date after hearing arguments from EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, and Bello’s lawyer Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, regarding the oral application.
Bello was absent during the court session where he was to be arraigned on a 19-count money laundering charge. However, his legal team, including Adeola Adedipe, SAN, was present.
Mohammed, representing Bello, contested the charge’s validity, citing the court’s lack of jurisdiction to hear the case and issue an arrest warrant against his client. He mentioned a previous ruling by a Kogi State High Court on February 9 that barred the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Bello.
Mohammed argued that the arrest warrant was in conflict with the ongoing appeal at the Court of Appeal and urged the court to address the jurisdiction issue before proceeding with the case.
He also objected to receiving the charge on Bello’s behalf in open court, stating that he lacked the authority to do so without formal authorization.
On the other hand, Pinheiro disagreed, asserting that since Mohammed appeared for Bello, the charge could be served in court for the arraignment to proceed.
The court adjourned to May 23 to rule on the request for substituted service.
Earlier, Justice Nwite had issued an arrest warrant for Bello despite a prior ruling from a Kogi High Court restraining the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting him, directing that Bello be produced in court for arraignment.
The withdrawal of all police officers assigned to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been ordered by Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
According to STEADY GIST, this directive was relayed through a police wireless communication.
The official document, referenced as “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/34,” states, “The IG has directed the removal of all law enforcement personnel attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
“Kindly acknowledge and adhere strictly. Your attention to this matter is crucial.”
Following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) declaration of him as wanted in connection to an alleged N80.2bn money laundering case, the Nigerian Immigration Service had earlier placed the ex-governor on its watchlist.
EFCC declares Kogi ex-governor, Yahaya Bello wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a declaration, naming former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as wanted.
This action was taken due to Bello’s failure to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, concerning allegations of N84 billion money laundering.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the anti-corruption agency called upon Nigerians with any pertinent information regarding Bello’s location to contact the nearest police station.
The statement reads, “EFCC Declares Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Wanted. Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is sought after by the EFCC for economic and financial crimes amounting to N80.2 Billion.
“Anyone possessing information about his whereabouts should promptly notify the Commission or the nearest Police Station.”
Preceding his scheduled arraignment, EFCC, Department of State Services (DSS), Police, and other security units surrounded Bello’s Abuja residence on Wednesday.
However, he managed to leave the premises discreetly with the assistance of the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo.
Dive into the legal drama as Yahaya Bello’s absence hinders the N84bn fraud arraignment.
Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, did not appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
He was scheduled to face charges of alleged money laundering amounting to N84 billion, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the court session, EFCC counsel Kemi Phinro informed the court that Bello’s absence was due to protection under immunity.
As a result, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the proceedings to April 23rd.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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