The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on the Federal High Court in Abuja to proceed with the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in absentia.
This request follows Bello’s repeated failure to appear in court for arraignment on 19 charges of money laundering involving N80.2 billion.
At a hearing on Wednesday, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged Justice Emeka Nwite to enter a plea of “not guilty” on Bello’s behalf, arguing that the ex-governor’s absence should not be allowed to delay proceedings. Pinheiro contended that refusing to continue the trial without Bello would undermine the rule of law. “A court can never demonstrate helplessness,” he stated, warning that this could encourage “anarchy” and deny society justice.
Bello has missed six consecutive court summons for arraignment, which Pinheiro described as a “malicious” attempt to obstruct justice. The EFCC argued that justice must serve not only the defendant but also the prosecution and society at large. “A criminal trial must not be held hostage, truncated or frustrated by a defendant’s refusal to engage the process,” Pinheiro emphasized, adding that under Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), physical presence is not an absolute requirement for arraignment.
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However, Michael Adoyi, representing Bello, opposed the EFCC’s request, citing an earlier court order mandating the former governor’s presence for any motions to proceed. Adoyi asserted that moving forward without Bello would contradict this directive, issued by the court earlier the same day. “No application can be entertained by this court in the absence of the arraignment of the defendant,” he argued.
Pinheiro rebutted, urging Justice Nwite to reject the defense’s stance and allow a not-guilty plea to be entered for Bello, ensuring that the prosecution can present evidence without delay.
Justice Nwite, noting that a ruling on the issue may not be feasible this year, adjourned the matter for arraignment and ruling on January 21, 2025.
