A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has summoned Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, for arraignment on October 24. He will be appearing alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu in response to 16 new charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello had previously been declared wanted after an arrest warrant was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 17. He repeatedly failed to appear before Justice Nwite’s court, where he was facing 19 counts related to money laundering and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
Now, Justice Maryanne Anenih has ruled that Bello must appear before the court to respond to the latest 16 charges. The summons follows the EFCC’s application, stating that it had been unable to serve Bello with the charges filed on September 24, which allege a criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih directed the EFCC to publish the public summons in a widely circulated newspaper to ensure Bello is adequately notified of the proceedings.
