The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is in the news again as a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, issues a public summons against him over an alleged N110.4 billion fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the court’s ruling on its official social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), on October 11, 2024.
The public summons comes after Yahaya Bello failed to appear for his arraignment on October 3, 2024. Alongside two co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, Bello faces a 16-count charge involving criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, all linked to his tenure as Kogi State governor. The EFCC had filed these charges on September 24, 2024, but Bello’s absence in court led Justice Maryanne Anenih to approve the public summons.
The EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had requested the court’s permission to serve Bello through substituted service due to his repeated absence. In response, Justice Anenih ordered the charges to be published in national newspapers and pasted at Bello’s last known residence on Benghazi Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Read Also: Man arrested for stabbing Sex Worker over payment dispute in Delta, says he did not ejaculate
The court’s swift ruling is seen as a critical move to ensure Bello cannot dodge the charges. The summons is a direct consequence of the high-profile ex-governor’s alleged role in the massive N110.4 billion fraud scheme during his administration.
The court adjourned the case twice, giving the EFCC enough time to ensure Yahaya Bello’s appearance. The first adjournment is set for October 24, 2024, for Bello’s fresh arraignment. If necessary, the EFCC has the authority to secure his presence through arrest. The second date, November 14, 2024, allows for a full 30-day period for the public summons to take effect.
In addition to this N110.4 billion fraud case, Yahaya Bello is also facing another legal battle. He is being prosecuted before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion, further compounding his legal troubles.
