The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to serve legal charges against the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, through his legal representative. This decision came after Bello’s absence from the courtroom for his scheduled arraignment, prompting the court to explore alternative avenues to facilitate the proper administration of justice.
Court’s Decision on Legal Representation
Presiding over the trial, Justice Emeka Nwite invoked the provisions enshrined in Sections 382(4) and (5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. These sections grant the court the authority to permit the service of court documents through alternative means when personal service proves impracticable or ineffective. Exercising this legal provision, Justice Nwite ordered that Bello’s lawyer, the esteemed Mr. Abdulwab Mohammed, SAN, who had previously made an unconditional appearance on behalf of the defendant, be served with the charges leveled against his client.
Legal Implications of the Ruling
In his ruling, Justice Nwite underscored the critical importance of effective service of process in establishing the court’s jurisdiction over a matter. He emphasized that failure to adhere to the proper protocols for service could render any subsequent decision vulnerable to challenges at the appellate level, thereby undermining the integrity of the judicial process. Consequently, the court’s directive to serve the charges through Bello’s legal representative aims to ensure the legal proceedings remain firmly grounded in the principles of due process and procedural fairness.
Background on Charges
The charges against Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, are grave and far-reaching. He faces a staggering 19-count charge encompassing allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately one billion Naira. These allegations strike at the heart of public trust and fiscal accountability, underscoring the significance of the legal proceedings and the need for a transparent and impartial resolution.
Bello‘s failure to appear in court to enter a plea in response to these charges prompted the EFCC, the prosecuting agency, to request the court’s permission to serve the charges through alternative means, specifically through his legal counsel. The court’s recent order validates this request, paving the way for the case to progress despite the former governor’s absence from the arraignment proceedings.
The Federal High Court’s directive to the EFCC to serve charges on Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s lawyer represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice and accountability. By upholding the principles of due process and ensuring the proper service of legal documents, the court has reinforced the integrity of the judicial system and its commitment to upholding the rule of law, even in cases involving high-profile public figures.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, all eyes will be on the case, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting further updates and developments. The court’s proactive stance in addressing procedural challenges underscores the unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served, regardless of the circumstances or the individuals involved. This case stands as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s legal system and its ability to navigate complex scenarios while adhering to the fundamental principles of fairness and transparency.
