A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that a hearing notice be served on Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State after he repeatedly failed to appear in court for arraignment over a N101.4 billion fraud case.
The ruling, made by Justice Maryanne Anenih on November 14, 2024, follows a series of absences by Bello in connection with charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In her ruling, Justice Anenih instructed that the hearing notice be affixed to Bello’s residence in Abuja, specifically at No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, and also displayed on the court’s notice board. This order comes as the public summons for his appearance, which was issued on October 3, 2024, is set to expire on November 17, 2024. The summons had given Bello a 30-day period to comply, but with the deadline approaching, the court is taking extra steps to ensure his attendance.
The EFCC, represented by counsel Jamiu Agoro, had requested an adjournment to allow Bello more time to respond to the summons, noting that the 30-day compliance period had not yet expired. Agoro also stated that issuing an arrest warrant was premature at this stage. Justice Anenih granted the adjournment and set a new date for Bello’s appearance in court on November 27, 2024, when he will be formally arraigned on the 16-count fraud charges.
The charges against Bello involve allegations of embezzlement and fraudulent activities that reportedly amount to N101.4 billion. The case is part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to tackle corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria, particularly concerning former public officials accused of mismanaging state funds during their tenure.
Bello’s failure to attend previous court hearings has raised questions about his willingness to face the charges. The EFCC continues to press for accountability as the case unfolds. With the new hearing date set, all eyes will be on the upcoming proceedings to determine whether the former governor will comply or if further legal actions will be taken.
As the legal battle continues, the public remains attentive to the outcome of this high-profile fraud case, which could have significant implications for Nigeria’s fight against corruption in public office.
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