Court Turns Down EFCC’s Request To Arraign
Yahaya Bello Again
By Editor
ABUJA (Nigeria FCT) -Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request to arraign former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello without his legal representation.
Bello, who was in court for his arraignment, informed the judge that he only became aware of the arraignment the previous night and was unable to contact his lawyers.
This development is the latest twist in the EFCC’s case against Bello, who is facing charges related to alleged money laundering and breach of trust.
Despite the obvious legal lacuna, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, however urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, but Justice Nwite refused, citing the need to protect Bello’s fundamental right to a fair hearing.
The judge fixed December 13 as the new date for the arraignment and ordered that Bello’s lawyers be served with a hearing notice.
He subsequently ordered that Yahaya Bello would remain in the custody of the EFCC.