Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, was served his charges on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, through his legal representative, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN), following the directive of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. The court ruled that the defendant should be served via his counsel, particularly as he failed to appear before the court once again.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Yahaya Bello, along with Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges related to money laundering amounting to N80,246,470,089.88k (Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, and Eighty-nine Naira, Eighty-eight Kobo).
During Tuesday’s session, Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), petitioned the court to dismiss the arrest warrant issued against Bello, arguing that the substituted service to the defendant through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN), has invalidated the warrant.
“The court is obligated to ensure justice prevails at all times. A warrant of arrest cannot loom over Bello’s head while we are in this court. It appears that the defendant may be denied justice as the warrant was granted before proper service,” Adedipe stated.
However, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Piniero (SAN), countered, urging the court not to entertain any motion from Bello’s legal team until the defendant physically appears for his arraignment.
“We are currently in the stage of determining the defendant’s whereabouts. He cannot remain absent while the trial progresses; he must come forth to enter his plea. My Lord, this is a criminal matter, not civil, and his presence is imperative. The stakes involve over N80 billion. The defendant’s motions seem designed to delay his arraignment and impede the trial’s commencement,” Piniero argued.
Following arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned ruling on the defense’s application seeking the revocation of Bello’s arrest warrant until May 10, 2024.
