Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has stirred controversy with his apprehension about facing his 19-count charge by the EFCC, fearing potential arrest that could hinder his court appearance.
Despite his absence during the scheduled arraignment on Tuesday, his legal representatives were present to address his concerns. Lead counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, conveyed Bello’s reluctance to appear in court due to an outstanding arrest warrant.
Adedipe informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that Bello is keen to present himself but is deterred by the fear of being arrested, urging the court to reconsider the previously issued arrest order.
Adedipe argued that when the arrest order was initially issued, the charges had not been formally served, a situation rectified only during Tuesday’s proceedings with the court’s approval of substituted service through his lawyer.
Additionally, Bello’s legal team questioned the legitimacy of the EFCC itself, alleging its establishment was illegal as it lacked approval from all 36 state assemblies as mandated by the constitution.
In response, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, maintained that the arrest warrant should remain valid until Bello physically appears in court. Pinheiro asserted that Bello’s continuous absence and subsequent motions were tactics to delay the judicial process.
He emphasized that no applications from Bello should be considered until he presents himself for arraignment. The EFCC also affirmed the legality of its establishment, citing Supreme Court validation and refuting Bello’s claims.
