Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been summoned by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) court in Maitama, Abuja, after failing to appear for arraignment on 16 fresh charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges, involving conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, relate to N110.4 billion.
Justice Maryanne Anenih granted an ex parte application by the EFCC, ordering that Bello be served through substituted means, including notices at his residence and publication in national newspapers.
The court has set October 24, 2024, for his arraignment, with a further hearing date of November 14, 2024, if service is not completed.
Bello is also facing separate charges of money laundering involving N80.2 billion in another court.
Justice Anenih on Thursday issued a public summon against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello following his absence in a fresh arraignment on 16-count charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
This is contained in a statement by the Head, Media & Publicity for the Commission, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday, which he shared with The First Mail online newspaper in Abuja.
“Bello, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu are facing prosecution bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy to commit an offence to the tune of N110.4 Billion.
“Justice Anenih issued the summon in a ruling following an ex parte application by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN praying the court to grant leave that the defendant be served the charges via substituted means, following his absence in court to answer charges filed against him on September 24, 2024.
“The court ordered that the charges be served on the defendant at his known residence, No 4, Bengazi Street, Maitama, Abuja, through a public summons to be published in widely circulated national newspapers and also pasted within the premises of the court.
“The judge granted two separate adjournments: 0ctober 24, 2024 and November 14, 2024. The former for arraignment on the grounds that the defendant will be arrested and brought to court by EFCC and the latter when the 30 days of service elapses.
“Bello is also being awaited for arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja on an 18-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2billion”, the statement read.