The planned arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi State Governor, on charges of an N80.2 billion fraud was again stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 19-count charge against Bello and others, accusing them of converting public funds through criminal breach of trust. Bello also faces allegations of aiding in the concealment of over N3 billion and transferring $570,330 to a U.S. bank account from unlawful activities.
Despite being scheduled for arraignment, Bello did not appear in court, leading to a disagreement between the defense and prosecution. EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, insisted that the defense had undertaken to produce Bello in court, while defense counsel Adeola Adedipe argued there was a misunderstanding about the arraignment date, suggesting a further adjournment.
Justice Emeka Nwite, after considering the apologies and arguments from both sides, rescheduled the arraignment to June 27. The EFCC and other security agencies had declared Bello wanted, citing difficulties in tracking his whereabouts. This rescheduling marks another delay in the ongoing legal proceedings against the former governor.
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