Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed the validity of its order issued on April 17, for the arrest and appearance of former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.
In a ruling delivered on May 10, the court emphasized that Bello’s failure to comply with the arrest warrant issued against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is deemed disrespectful. The court further stated that it would not entertain any applications submitted by Bello until he appears in court and responds to the 19-count money laundering charge filed against him by the EFCC.
The judge also dismissed the plea from Bello’s counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammed (SAN), to suspend further proceedings in the case pending the outcome of the EFCC’s appeal regarding a contempt case before the High Court of Kogi state, situated in Lokoja.
The EFCC has brought forward 19 counts against Bello, alleging offenses such as money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
