N110.4bn fraud: Court orders Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT in Maitama, Abuja, on October 3, 2024, issued a public summon against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello following his absence in a fresh arraignment on 16 counts preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Bello, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu are facing prosecution bordering on criminal breach of trust, and 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: October 24, 2024, and November 14, 2024.

The former is 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 arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja on 18 counts bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.