Yahaya Bello agrees to appear in court for trial, gives conditions to EFCC
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has finally agreed to present himself to the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for arraignment on 13- June- 2024 to clear corruption charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His chief legal representative, Abdulwahab Mohammed, on Friday, presented the undertaking to Justice Emeka Nwite shortly after the request for suspension of trial by the defendant was rejected by the court.
Mohammed stated that the ex-governor was not apprehensive about facing charges, but rather concerned about the security of his life while in the custody of the EFCC in Abuja.
The former governor’s counsel informed the court that his client’s life has been consistently threatened in Abuja, leading him to go into hiding for his safety.
The decision to undergo a court trial was influenced by Justice Nwite’s assertion that the EFCC, being a compliant institution, would adhere strictly to legal provisions.
The Judge emphasized that Bello’s summons by the anti-corruption agency was not unique among former governors, and would not be the final instance.
The Judge further stated that the accusations are founded on unproven allegations, emphasizing that the law presumes individuals accused of a crime to be innocent until proven guilty.
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He, nevertheless, recommended to the senior attorney to urge his client to adhere to the laws and regulations of the court as a lawful individual.
In response to the advice, Bello’s legal representative expressed gratitude to the Judge for the guidance, mentioning that with the guarantee that the EFCC would not engage in any improper actions, the ex-governor would be brought to court.
Bello’s lawyer reiterated that with the assurance that EFCC would not do anything untoward, the former governor would be brought to court.
“All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life which has been under threat for sometimes in Abuja,” said the legal representative of the former governor.
Afterwards, the lawyer requested four weeks to bring his client before the court. He further stated that, Bello would however come to the court instead of the EFCC to take his plea in the charges.
With the consent of the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Justice Nwite has scheduled June 13, 2024, as the date for Bello to appear in court and enter his plea.
