On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took heightened security measures at the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of the resumption of the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is facing charges of alleged money laundering.
EFCC operatives deployed bomb detectors to thoroughly search the courtroom for potential explosives. The search lasted about 30 minutes, with security forces not allowing anyone— including court staff— to enter until the area was cleared. Only those directly involved in the trial, such as lawyers and journalists, were allowed in after the security checks.
The security operation began early, with EFCC operatives arriving at 7:30 a.m., taking over the court’s security and ensuring the premises were secure. Lawyers for both the federal government and Bello were asked to be patient during the security process.
Yahaya Bello, who has been granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties, appeared in court dressed in his usual white babanriga with a multi-colored cap, waiting for the trial to commence. He is facing charges related to an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme but has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The extra security measures taken by the EFCC are believed to be part of coordinated efforts to ensure orderliness within the court and prevent disruptions by potential troublemakers. The trial is being overseen by Justice Emeka Nwite, with Bello’s defense led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the EFCC’s legal team headed by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.
