Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has taken his legal battle to the Supreme Court in an effort to overturn a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding his arraignment on money laundering charges. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 19-count charge against Bello, involving the alleged misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
At a hearing on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case until October 30, 2024, after Bello’s legal team, led by A.M. Adoyi, informed the court of an appeal to the Supreme Court aimed at nullifying an earlier arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17. The appeal, filed on August 28, challenges the ruling that Bello must appear for arraignment. Adoyi stressed that moving forward without waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision could render the appeal moot.
However, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, vehemently opposed the defense’s move, accusing Bello and his team of manipulating the court process. Pinheiro argued that the defense had turned the court into a “vaudeville,” using endless legal maneuvers to delay the trial. He noted that this was the fourth time the court had adjourned the case due to the defendant’s failure to appear for arraignment.
Pinheiro urged the court to exercise its authority, arguing that Bello’s actions showed “total disregard and scorn” for the legal process. He further requested that Adoyi be sanctioned for contempt of court, emphasizing that the Court of Appeal had already upheld the legitimacy of the EFCC’s service of the charges and evidence.
In response, Adoyi maintained that proceeding with the arraignment would be premature until the Supreme Court ruled on the matter, citing the need to uphold justice.
Justice Nwite, after considering the arguments from both sides, decided to adjourn the case until October 30 for a ruling on the contentious issues and for the scheduled arraignment of the former governor.
The case continues to draw attention following reports that Bello had previously presented himself to the EFCC, accompanied by Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. However, the EFCC allegedly refused to interrogate or detain him, later accusing Bello of using his political connections to avoid proper legal proceedings.
Pinheiro criticized the governor’s appearance with an official entourage, arguing that the invitation from the EFCC was specifically for Bello alone, without the immunity or security that comes with his political ties. “Arraignment is not done in the EFCC car park,” Pinheiro remarked, pointing out that the defendant’s approach was an attempt to evade accountability.
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