By Milcah Tanimu

Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has expressed his readiness to appear in the Federal High Court in Abuja to address the 19-count charge leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, his absence during the arraignment was attributed to his apprehension about potential arrest. Bello’s legal representatives appeared on his behalf, urging the court to revoke the arrest order issued against him on the grounds that the charges had not been formally served to him prior to the warrant being issued. Additionally, Bello’s legal team contested the legality of the EFCC’s establishment, arguing that it lacked proper consultation with the states as required by the constitution.

In response, EFCC’s counsel emphasized that Bello’s continual absence and legal maneuvers were delaying the proceedings. They argued that the arrest order should stand until Bello personally appeared in court for arraignment, as per the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. However, the EFCC assured the court that if Bello committed to appearing at the next hearing, they would not execute the arrest warrant.

The case highlights the legal battle between Yahaya Bello and the EFCC, grappling with issues of procedural adherence, legality, and the personal implications of the charges against him.