The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) bid to arraign Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, without his legal representation.
Bello faces a 19-count charge related to alleged involvement in an N80.2 billion fraud. The case was set for his plea before Justice Emeka Nwite, but none of his defense lawyers were present in court.
EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that Bello’s physical presence was sufficient for the arraignment, even in the absence of his legal team. However, Justice Nwite dismissed the argument, citing a violation of the defendant’s right to fair hearing.
The judge stated that compelling Bello to enter a plea without his defense counsel would be unjust. He stressed that the absence of the legal team resulted from their lack of notice about the case’s schedule.
“It is my view that the interest of justice will be met by putting the defense counsel on notice about this abridgement of time,” Justice Nwite ruled. He added that proceeding without Bello’s lawyers would breach procedural fairness and undermine the integrity of the court process.
The arraignment was adjourned to December 13, 2024, with instructions for a hearing notice to be issued to Bello’s legal team. Meanwhile, the court ordered that Bello remain in EFCC custody until the next court date as investigations into the alleged fraud continue.
The charges against Bello include embezzlement, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office involving the large-scale diversion of state funds during his tenure.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and its potential impact on anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
Legal experts and observers have emphasized the importance of upholding justice and fairness in such high-profile cases. The December hearing is expected to be a key moment in the proceedings.
