Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has expressed his readiness to face the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding a 19-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Despite his absence during the scheduled arraignment, Bello’s legal team represented him in court on Tuesday.
Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, a member of Bello’s legal counsel, informed the court of the former governor’s intention to attend the proceedings but cited apprehensions regarding a pending arrest warrant. Adedipe urged the court to revoke the ex parte order of arrest issued against Bello, emphasizing that the charge had not been properly served to him before the warrant was issued.
Moreover, Bello’s legal team contended the legality of the EFCC, alleging that the organization’s establishment bypassed constitutional requirements. They argued that the EFCC Act lacked ratification by the states’ Houses of Assembly, rendering the agency “illegal” under constitutional provisions.
In response, EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to reject Bello’s application, asserting that the arrest warrant should stand until the defendant appears for trial. Pinheiro criticized Bello’s absence as a tactic to delay proceedings, emphasizing the need for his physical presence for the court to proceed effectively.
Despite the legal dispute, EFCC assured the court that it would not execute the arrest warrant if Bello’s counsel guaranteed his presence at the next hearing. Pinheiro stated that upon such assurance, the arrest warrant would be withdrawn, highlighting EFCC’s commitment to fair proceedings.
Additionally, EFCC clarified that the charges against Bello were specific to allegations of money laundering and misuse of public funds. They emphasized that the case targeted individual wrongdoing rather than an attack on state institutions, citing previous Supreme Court rulings affirming EFCC’s legality.
The court adjourned proceedings to consider the legal arguments presented, underscoring the complexities surrounding constitutional provisions and criminal proceedings. Bello’s willingness to address the charges against him highlights the gravity of the accusations and the necessity for a fair and transparent legal process.