Yahaya Bello in Trouble as Court Summons Him Over N110.4bn Fraud

By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in Maitama, Abuja, on October 3, 2024, has issued a public summon against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, following his absence in a fresh arraignment on 16-count charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello, Shuabu Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu are facing prosecution bordering on criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to commit an offence to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Justice Anenih issued the summon in a ruling following an ex parte application by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, praying the court to grant leave that the defendant be served the charges via substituted means, following his absence in court to answer charges filed against him on September 24, 2024.

The judge granted two separate adjournments: October 24, 2024, and November 14, 2024. The former was for arraignment on the grounds that the defendant will be arrested and brought to court by EFCC, and the latter when the 30 days of service elapsed

The court ordered that the charges be served on the defendant at his known residence, No 4, Benghazi Street, Maitama, Abuja, through a public summons to be published in widely circulated national newspapers and also pasted within the premises of the court.

The judge granted two separate adjournments: October 24, 2024, and November 14, 2024. The former was for arraignment on the grounds that the defendant will be arrested and brought to court by EFCC, and the latter when the 30 days of service elapsed.

Bello is also being awaited for arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an 18-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.

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