The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was unable to produce former Governor Yahaya Bello for his scheduled arraignment on November 28, 2024.
The arraignment, set to take place at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was postponed due to procedural setbacks. Bello, who faces a daunting 19-count charge of money laundering amounting to N82 billion, was also previously charged with a 16-count indictment involving N110.4 billion.
These charges shows the gravity of financial misconduct allegations against him. However, the court proceedings were stalled because "the necessary papers could not be filed," according to sources within the court.
Justice Emeka Nwite has now rescheduled the arraignment for January 21, 2025, pending the outcome of an appeal at the Supreme Court.
This delay follows an earlier plea by Bello, who declared himself not guilty to the 16-count fraud charges on November 27. His counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN, had moved for bail, which was opposed by EFCC Counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN, citing its expiration in October.
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