EFCC Addresses Yahaya Bello’s Alleged Plans To Surrender
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed reports suggesting that Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, plans to visit its Abuja headquarters.
Bello is facing multiple charges of money laundering, including allegations of laundering N80 billion and an additional 16 counts involving over N110 billion.
Reports had claimed that Bello, who has evaded arrest since April when EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend him at his Abuja residence, was preparing to surrender. However, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale denied the claims, stating, “I am not aware of that information.”
Trek Africa Newspaper reports that despite numerous court summons and notices, Bello has repeatedly failed to appear before the court. As a result, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, ordered a hearing notice to be served on him. Meanwhile, the Federal High Court has adjourned the case to January 21, 2025, to decide whether the trial can proceed in Bello’s absence.
At an October 30 hearing, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, invoked Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), urging the court to continue the trial without Bello’s presence. Pinheiro argued that allowing the prosecution to present its case would not prejudice Bello, highlighting his history of non-cooperation.
“This is someone who refused to write a statement to the EFCC and has ignored court summons six times,” Pinheiro remarked. “The court must not enable tactics meant to derail justice, intimidate witnesses, or let evidence deteriorate.”
However, Bello’s lawyer, Michael Adoyi, opposed the application, asserting that the defendant’s physical presence was mandatory for arraignment. He described the prosecution’s request as a “dangerous invitation” and urged the court to reject it.
Justice Emeka Nwite, after considering arguments from both sides, scheduled a ruling on the application or arraignment for January 21, 2025.
