High court summons Yahaya Bello over alleged N110bn fraud

Yahaya Bello, the immediate former governor of Kogi State, was called by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Thursday, for an arraignment on October 24. 

Following 16 new charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Bello, Umar Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu will be arraigned together. 

Bello was previously listed as sought after an arrest warrant for him was issued on April 17 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. 

Bello had been scheduled to answer to 19 counts pertaining to money laundering and theft of funds totalling N80.2 billion, but he had consistently neglected to show up in Justice Nwite's court.

Bello has to appear in court on Thursday to respond to the 16 additional allegations brought against him, according to a ruling by Justice Maryanne Anenih, the judge who heard the new charges against the former governor. 

The EFCC submitted a request on September 24 alleging that it was unable to serve Bello with the accusation of criminal breach of trust amounting to N110.4 billion. 

In response, Justice Anenih issued the summons. During the verdict, Justice Anenih directed the EFCC to issue the public summons in a daily that is generally read.

Additionally, she gave the EFCC instructions to post copies of the public summons in prominent locations on the court grounds and at Bello's last known residence. 

Bello's scheduled arraignment in relation to the new charge against him was set for this Thursday, but his nonattendance caused the proceedings to be postponed.

Source