On 3rd October 2024, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, issued a public summons against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, following his absence at a scheduled arraignment.
Bello, alongside co-defendants Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involving conspiracy and criminal breach of trust related to N110.4 billion.
The court’s decision came after an ex parte application by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who requested that the charges be served via substituted means. This followed Bello’s failure to appear in court to answer the charges filed on 24th September 2024. Justice Anenih granted the application, ordering the charges to be served at Bello’s known residence on Bengazi Street, Maitama, Abuja. The court also instructed that a public summons be published in national newspapers and displayed within the court premises.
The judge set two new dates for the proceedings. On 24th October 2024, Bello is expected to appear for arraignment, with the EFCC tasked with ensuring his presence. A further hearing is scheduled for 14th November 2024, after the 30-day service period has elapsed.
In a related matter, Bello is also awaiting arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on an 18-count charge of money laundering, involving N80.2 billion.
This series of legal actions underscores the EFCC’s efforts to address large-scale financial crimes involving public officials.
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