Blessing Omale, Abuja
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, has ordered that a hearing notice be served on Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, following his repeated absence in court.
Bello is facing fraud charges involving N101.4 billion, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which is pressing a 16-count case against him.
In a statement released Thursday in Abuja by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, Justice Anenih directed that the notice be delivered to Bello’s residence on No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and also displayed on the court’s notice board.
The court’s ruling comes just days before a public summons demanding Bello’s presence is due to expire on November 17, 2024.
The summons, issued on October 3, provides a 30-day window for Bello to appear in court, and Justice Anenih’s recent directive allows him only a few days to comply before further legal action may be taken.
The EFCC, represented by counsel Jamiu Agoro, sought an adjournment to allow Bello more time to respond to the public summons.
Agoro noted that issuing a warrant of arrest at this stage would be premature, as the 30-day compliance period has not yet lapsed.
Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s adjournment request and rescheduled Bello’s arraignment for November 27, 2024, giving him additional time to appear.
This case has seen multiple delays due to Bello’s non-appearance in court, with the initial public summons issued after he failed to attend previous hearings.
The charges filed by the EFCC allege that Bello was involved in fraudulent activities totaling N101.4 billion, a sum allegedly siphoned during his tenure as governor.
The upcoming arraignment will determine how the court proceeds if Bello continues to disregard court orders.
