A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has summoned former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to appear in court for his arraignment on October 24, 2024.
This follows the filing of 16 new charges against him and two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled on Thursday that Bello must present himself to respond to allegations of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
This is in addition to existing charges of money laundering and misappropriation totaling N80.2 billion, for which Bello has previously failed to appear for arraignment on five occasions.
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The EFCC had declared Bello wanted after an arrest warrant was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja in April.
READ ALSO: Witness Testifies How Yahaya Bello Paid Daughters’ School Fees in Dollars
In her ruling, Justice Anenih directed the EFCC to publish the summons in a widely circulated newspaper and to display copies at Bello’s last known address and within court premises.
The commission contends that Bello and his co-defendants misappropriated public funds entrusted to them.
Bello’s absence in court has delayed the proceedings, raising concerns over his commitment to addressing these serious allegations.
