BREAKING: Court rejects EFCC’s request to arraign Yahaya Bello over absence of legal representation

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, deferred the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on an alleged N80.2 billion fraud due to the absence of his lawyers.

Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that it would violate Bello’s right to fair hearing if he were arraigned without legal representation.

Bello, who was present in court, explained that he was only informed of the proceeding late Thursday, and his lawyers were unaware of the schedule change. EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to proceed based on Bello’s physical presence, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. However, the court insisted on notifying Bello’s legal team.

Justice Nwite ordered the EFCC to serve a hearing notice to Bello’s lawyers and adjourned the case to December 13, while the former governor remains in custody. The case, initially set for January 21, 2025, had been rescheduled due to Bello’s earlier non-appearance, which led to a bench warrant for his arrest.

Bello, along with his nephew Ali Bello and two others, faces charges of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.