The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to comply with court orders by appearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment.
The EFCC criticized Bello’s alleged tactics of evading the court to garner public sympathy, urging him to stop playing a game of hide-and-seek.
The EFCC emphasized that both the trial court and the Court of Appeal have clearly mandated the former governor to appear for arraignment on charges of N80.2 billion money laundering, following thorough investigations into the matter.
The anti-corruption agency made this claim in court on Wednesday after filing 18 counts of money laundering charges against Bello, stemming from his time as governor of Kogi State.
During the court session, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro pointed out that Bello’s appearance at the agency’s parking lot was inappropriate, as both courts had ordered him to appear before the trial court for his arraignment.
“My Lord, neither this court nor the Court of Appeal instructed that Yahaya Bello should show up at the EFCC car park, but rather that he must appear before this honorable court for arraignment. What’s even more troubling is that the defendant showed up at the EFCC parking lot accompanied by an individual with immunity, along with full security detail.”
“My Lord, if any attempt had been made to remove him from the company of someone with immunity, it would have led to chaos. The EFCC later requested that Yahaya Bello come to the agency alone, without any individual with immunity or security detail, but this was again resisted by the defendant’s camp,” he added.
Speaking before Justice Emeka Nwite, Pinheiro said, “We sent a letter to the defendant’s lawyers, reminding them that arraignments are not conducted in EFCC car parks. The defendant was supposed to appear in court today, as per the rulings of both the Court of Appeal and this honorable court.”
Pinheiro then urged the court to take a firm stance, advising the judge to use his authority to show that the courtroom is a place of serious business, not entertainment, as he accused Bello’s counsel, A.M. Agboyi, of attempting to trivialize the proceedings.
“This court is not a vaudeville. A vaudeville is a place of entertainment, and Justice Uwaifo once said no party should turn a courtroom into a place of amusement. The court must resist such efforts and uphold its solemn duty,” Pinheiro stated. He also called for sanctions against Agboyi, requesting that the court refer him to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for turning the courtroom into a spectacle.
“My Lord, I believe my learned colleague is trying to make a mockery of this courtroom, as though it were a casino or a place for amusement. I urge the court to exercise its authority to prevent this, as senior advocates have left him to push this narrative. This should serve as a lesson to others.”
Pinheiro further requested that the court proceed with Bello’s trial in absentia.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Nwite expressed concern over the prolonged delays, noting, “This case is slated for arraignment, but it seems we are back to square one. It has been over five months, and there’s no clear progress. Based on the submissions of counsel today, it’s unfortunate, but I will reserve my comments and judgement.”
Justice Nwite then adjourned the case to October 30, 2024, for arraignment and further ruling.
