From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Supreme Court after being declared wanted.
Bello faces a 19-count charge related to an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering scheme.
He was scheduled to appear in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday for his arraignment.
However, when the case was called, his legal team, led by Mr. A. M. Adoyi, informed Justice Emeka Nwite about the pending appeal at the Supreme Court, noting that an affidavit had been filed on September 23. Adoyi stated that the appeal seeks to overturn an arrest warrant issued against Bello on April 17.
He requested that the court postpone the arraignment until the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal is made.
“The appeal numbers are SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024. We believe it is prudent to await the Supreme Court’s ruling before proceeding with the arraignment to avoid undermining the appeal,” the defense lawyer argued.
Responding, the EFCC counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called for Bello’s lawyer to be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, accusing him of undermining the judiciary’s integrity.
He pointed out that the lawyer had been part of Bello’s defense team when the court decided it would no longer hear any applications from him until he appeared for trial.
“What the defendant’s counsel has demonstrated is sheer irresponsibility. I urge the court to assert its authority and remind him that this is not a place for entertainment,” he argued.
The prosecution also highlighted that instead of attending the trial, Bello had gone to the EFCC office. They expressed concern over his admission of visiting the EFCC while accompanied by someone with immunity, suggesting that any attempt to separate him from that individual could have led to chaos.
After hearing both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the case until October 30 for a ruling.
