Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello's Trial in Absentia Delayed Amidst Mounting Fraud Allegations
The Federal High Court in Abuja has deferred its decision on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request to prosecute former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in absentia, rescheduling the ruling to January 21, 2025.
The EFCC is pursuing charges against Bello, alleging his involvement in money laundering and other financial offenses. The agency claims that despite repeated court summons, the former governor has failed to appear.
Bello faces accusations of laundering approximately N80 billion. On Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite postponed the case after considering the EFCC’s application to proceed with the trial in Bello’s absence due to his failure to appear in court for arraignment.
Earlier in October, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, rejected oral bail applications for Bello’s co-defendants, Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, who, along with Bello, face fraud charges of N110.4 billion brought by the EFCC. Justice Maryanne Anenih declined their bail requests, insisting that formal, written applications be submitted.
The EFCC had initially filed 19 charges against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, alleging money laundering offenses totaling N80,246,470,088.88. However, in a new set of 16 charges dated September 25, the alleged amount increased to N110,446,470,089.
Representing Hudu and Oricho, defense counsels J.B. Daudu, SAN, and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, argued for their clients' release from EFCC custody, contending that an oral application sufficed. However, EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed the oral application, maintaining that written requests were necessary. Justice Anenih agreed, stressing the need for formal legal procedures.
During Thursday’s session, Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC had complied with an earlier court order to publicly summon Bello by placing a notice in a national newspaper, as he continues to ignore court directives for his appearance.
The court initially issued a public summons on October 3, 2024, after Bello failed to appear in court to face 16 new fraud charges totaling N110.4 billion filed by the EFCC.
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