The legal tussle involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has taken a new turn, as the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing money laundering case against him. The matter, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), will now resume on October 30, 2024, following Bello’s appeal to the Supreme Court in a bid to overturn the arrest warrant issued against him.
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Background of the Case
Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, has been embroiled in a legal battle with the EFCC over allegations of money laundering. The case, which has garnered widespread public attention, took a critical turn when Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant against Bello on April 17, 2024.
However, the defendant has since challenged this decision, resulting in a legal standoff that has now reached the apex court. The latest development saw Bello’s defense team officially notify the trial court of their intention to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
Defense’s Argument for Supreme Court Appeal
During the hearing, Bello’s defense counsel, A.M. Adoyi, informed the Federal High Court that the case concerning his client’s arraignment had been appealed to the Supreme Court. Adoyi cited that the Court of Appeal’s decision on August 28, which directed Bello to appear for arraignment, has been challenged at the highest court of the land.
In his submission, Adoyi stated, “The appeal number is SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024. That means the most appropriate thing to do is to await the decision of the Supreme Court in the aforesaid appeal before taking any step for arraignment so as not to render the appellant’s appeal null or to pull the rug out of the feet of the Supreme Court.”
EFCC’s Response: “No Room for Delay”
The EFCC’s legal representative, Kemi Pinheiro, expressed frustration over the repeated delays caused by the defense team. Pinheiro accused Bello and his counsel of turning the court into a “place of entertainment” and emphasized that this is a serious matter that warrants immediate action.
In his statement to the court, Pinheiro said, “The first thing I want to say is that this court is not vaudeville. No party must turn a court into a vaudeville, that court must resist it. This court has adjourned four times for the defendant to appear for arraignment. The defendant has refused to respect the Constitution and this court.”
Pinheiro further argued that the defense’s numerous applications constitute a gross abuse of the judicial process and urged the trial judge to take decisive action against them.
The Court of Appeal’s Decision and Its Implications
Pinheiro also highlighted that the Court of Appeal had ruled on August 28, affirming that the mode of service of the charge and proof of evidence against Bello was proper. Despite this, the defendant has continued to seek avenues to avoid appearing for arraignment.
According to Pinheiro, “The Court of Appeal said the mode of service was good and proper service. The appellant shall not take any further steps until he submits himself. But they took another step. The appellant was ordered to present himself for arraignment and not take any further steps on this until he honours this order.”
What’s Next for Yahaya Bello?
As it stands, all eyes are on the Supreme Court as it prepares to deliberate on the appeals filed by Bello. The outcome of this case will have significant implications, not only for the former governor but also for Nigeria’s judicial system as it seeks to uphold the principles of accountability and justice.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the law takes its course and that justice is served. Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello’s legal team remains steadfast in their pursuit to overturn the arrest warrant and challenge the allegations brought against him.
For more details on this case, visit the original report by Punch here.
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