Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment Stalled in N80.2bn Fraud Case Due to Absence of Lawyer
The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the absence of his legal counsel. Bello is facing a 19-count charge of money laundering involving an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Phinero moved to have the charges read to the defendant and for his plea to be taken. However, Bello addressed the court himself, explaining that he had only been notified of the arraignment late on November 28, which did not allow him time to inform his lawyers.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the absence of Bello’s counsel was detrimental to his right to a fair hearing. The judge emphasized that the case could not proceed without legal representation for the defendant and ordered that Bello’s counsel be properly notified.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to December 13, 2024, for a hearing on the possible abridgement of time and the potential arraignment of Bello. In the meantime, Bello was ordered to remain in the custody of the EFCC.
This arraignment follows a similar proceeding on November 27, 2024, when Bello was arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on a 16-count charge related to the same alleged fraud.
