In a significant legal development, a court has ruled that Yahaya Bello must appear in court for his arraignment, dismissing claims that the case against him was an attempt to shield him from prosecution.
The ruling, delivered on August 20, 2024, emphasises the importance of accountability and transparency in high-profile corruption cases.
The court’s decision came after Yahaya Bello’s legal team argued that the case against him was intended to infringe upon his fundamental rights. However, the court described these claims as “scandalous” and emphasised that the true aim of the legal proceedings was to ensure that Bello faced justice rather than evading it.
Citing a prior decision by Justice Oyewole in EFCC vs Yahaya Bello (CA/ABJ/CV/413/2024), the court reinforced that no court has the authority to obstruct law enforcement from performing its statutory duties. The ruling upheld the EFCC’s application to overturn a previous injunction that had shielded Bello from prosecution.
In a decisive move, the court invoked Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), mandating that Yahaya Bello must appear in court for his arraignment. The order stipulates that Bello’s presence is required before any further procedural actions can be taken regarding his trial.
Yahaya Bello, alongside his nephews Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces a total of 19 charges related to money laundering. The charges involve a staggering sum of approximately N80.2 billion. Despite numerous attempts by the EFCC, Bello has consistently refused to enter a plea, complicating the legal proceedings.
The court’s ruling is a significant step in advancing the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption and hold high-profile individuals accountable. The decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that legal processes are not obstructed by claims intended to avoid prosecution.
This case remains a focal point in the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria, highlighting the judiciary’s role in enforcing legal accountability.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate