The former governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been advised to appear in court on Wednesday regarding an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.
Bello has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning the fraud allegations. A source close to the EFCC informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his presence at the Federal High Court in Abuja would allow him to enter a plea.
At the last court session, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that proceedings would continue despite an appeal filed by Bello in the Court of Appeal. The case has now been adjourned until September 25 for his arraignment.
This appearance is described as the “only saving grace and last opportunity” for Bello to respond to the 19-count charges against him. He has previously missed multiple court dates, including those on April 18, April 23, May 10, June 13, and July 17, leading to an arrest warrant being issued on April 17.
Attempts by EFCC operatives to arrest him at his residence in Wuse District, Abuja, were thwarted by police assigned to the location, prompting the commission to declare him wanted.
The source emphasized that failing to appear in court on September 25 could worsen his situation, stating, “The only saving grace and last opportunity is for him to show up in court… His delay tactics could only worsen his case.”
Despite claims from Ohaire Michael, a media aide to Bello, that the former governor is willing to cooperate with the EFCC, the source indicated that his earlier approach to surrender was perceived as an attempt to compromise the commission’s procedures.
The EFCC, characterized as a highly professional agency, maintains strict protocols regarding arrests and prosecutions. The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the new court date but declined to provide further comments on the ongoing case.