A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has summoned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to appear in court on November 14, 2024, regarding ongoing allegations of money laundering and corruption. These charges have been brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello was previously declared wanted over accusations involving N80.2 billion in alleged money laundering and corruption. Recently, the EFCC filed additional charges against him, citing fraudulent activities amounting to N110.4 billion.
Attempts by the EFCC to arrest Bello have been complicated by claims of political interference. In September, while he attended an EFCC invitation, he was accompanied by current Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. The EFCC subsequently asked Bello to leave, stating that his association with the governor, who has immunity, influenced their decision not to detain him.
In a notable incident, EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend him at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja. This situation was publicized by Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, who reported that EFCC officials surrounded the lodge and allegedly fired gunshots during their efforts to arrest him.
On Friday morning, the EFCC released a court document indicating that Justice Maryann E. Anenih had issued a public summons requiring Yahaya Bello to appear before the court on the specified date. The summons, dated October 3, 2024, outlines the charges against him.
The court document states: “A complaint has been made on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that you (YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO) sometime between 2016 and 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed offences including Criminal Breach of Trust under Section 311 of the Penal Code Law, punishable under Section 312, and possession of property suspected to be unlawfully obtained under Section 319A of the same law.”
Bello is required to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court of Justice (High Court No. 3) in Maitama at 9:00 AM on November 14, 2024, to address these allegations.
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