Arraignment Of Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Stalled Again

The planned arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on a fresh 19-count charge of money laundering valued at ₦82 billion was stalled on Thursday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to produce him before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Bello, who is already facing a 16-count charge of ₦110.4 billion at an FCT High Court, was to be arraigned on the new charges, but the case was not listed on the court’s schedule due to procedural delays.

Sources within the court who spoke with Daily Trust revealed that the EFCC had not filed the necessary documents for the arraignment.

Moreover, Justice Emeka Nwite had previously set January 21, 2025, to determine the arraignment, pending the outcome of an appeal at the Supreme Court.

The presiding judge had earlier emphasized the need to resolve the appeal before proceeding with the case.

EFCC lawyers and security personnel, who had taken positions around the court premises early Thursday, were seen withdrawing around midday after it became apparent that the arraignment would not proceed.

The case has faced several adjournments, largely due to the continued absence of the ex-governor in court.

Bello and two former officials of the Kogi State government-Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha – were alleged to have conspired to use state government funds to acquire properties in high-brow areas within the FCT and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, worth ₦110.4 billion.