The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has issued a stern order to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to present himself for arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court’s decision comes in response to a series of legal maneuvers by Bello to delay his trial on corruption charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had accused Bello of conspiring to launder over N80 billion in public funds. Bello, however, had filed several applications to block his arraignment, citing various legal technicalities.
The Court of Appeal, in its ruling, dismissed Bello’s arguments and ordered him to produce himself for arraignment within a specified timeframe. The court emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no individual is above the law.
The decision marks a significant setback for Bello, who has been embroiled in legal battles for several years. The EFCC has accused him of a number of financial crimes, including money laundering, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds.
Bello’s legal team has not yet responded to the Court of Appeal’s ruling. It remains to be seen whether he will comply with the court’s order and present himself for arraignment.
The case against Bello has attracted widespread attention in Nigeria, with many expressing concerns about the prevalence of corruption in the country. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
