EFCC fails to produce Yahaya Bello in court for planned arraignment

Former Governor Yahaya Bello’s scheduled arraignment on Thursday, Nov. 28, was stalled after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to produce him in the Federal High Court, Abuja. 

Bello was earlier fixed for fresh arraignment in the court on a separate 19-count charge of money laundering valued at N82 billion. This comes following his remand by an FCT High Court on a 16-count charge valued at N110.4 billion. 

However, sources in the court revealed that the court could not list the matter in its course for the day due to the inability to file the necessary papers. 

Additionally,  the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite fixed January 21, 2025, for the determination of the arraignment and the outcome of an appeal at the Supreme Court. 

Due to the above, EFCC lawyers and security operatives stationed around the court had to withdraw in the afternoon. 

Recall that Bello pleaded not guilty to 16 count charges preferred against him by the EFCC after he was arraigned on Wednesday, Nov. 27, on fraud charges to the tune of N110 billion. 

After the defendant’s plea was taken, his Counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN, moved an application for bail, which EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN opposed on the grounds that it had expired in October. 

Subsequently, the former governor was remanded alongside others, with Justice Maryann Anenih announcing that she would make her decision known on December 10. 

Anenih ordered that the three defendants should remain in EFCC custody until the rulings are delivered.