Some hours ago, Today, 13 June 2024, Abuja High Court was full of anticipation, as the legal teams got into court session regarding the alleged involvement of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a whooping ₦80 billion fraud case. However, the day took an unexpected turn when proceedings were adjourned to June 27, 2024.
Yahaya Bello, a former (immediate past) Governor of Kogi State from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024 came under scrutiny when allegations surfaced of financial misconduct amounting to ₦80 billion, leading to an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The proceedings hit a snag when Bello’s legal counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, informed the court of an agreement reached between the defense and prosecution teams to defer the arraignment to a later date.
Adeola Adedipe, representing Bello, addressed the court, explaining that the prosecution, led by Kemi Phinhero, had approached them with concerns over the readiness to proceed on June 13. After discussions, both parties settled on June 27 as a more suitable date for the arraignment.
This decision, made outside the courtroom, stirred controversy when Rotimi Oyedepo, appearing for the EFCC, expressed surprise and claimed unawareness of any such agreement.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, deliberated on the matter, emphasizing the importance of honoring previously set dates unless compelling reasons were presented. Despite the procedural disagreement, he acceded to the joint request from the defense and prosecution to adjourn the case to June 27.
Bello’s legal team assured the court that their client would appear on the new date.
The legal saga surrounding Yahaya Bello took a dramatic turn on April 17, 2024, when armed EFCC operatives attempted to arrest him at his residence in Abuja. However, the situation escalated when Bello’s successor, Usman Ododo, intervened and reportedly spirited him away, preventing the arrest. This act of obstruction prompted the EFCC to issue a public declaration, branding Bello a wanted man and stating their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, endorsed the EFCC’s actions, justifying the FG’s stance against corruption and its resolve to pursue accountability at all levels of governance.
The case became a trending discussion in the county.
As the case has been adjourned to June 27, 2024, all eyes will once again be on the Federal High Court in Abuja on how they will dispense justices.
The outcome of Bello’s case will not only impact his political future but also set a precedent for how Nigeria addresses allegations of corruption at the highest levels. For now, the countdown to June 27 continues, marking a crucial milestone in the ongoing pursuit of justice and transparency in Nigerian governance.
