In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the delivery of fresh charges in the alleged N80 billion fraud case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, through his legal counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the directive while delivering a ruling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request for substituted service on Bello.
Representing the EFCC, lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, presented the application.
During the proceedings, Bello, the former governor, was absent from court but was represented by his attorney.
Last week, Justice Nwite issued a bench warrant against Bello following an EFCC application, which conflicted with an existing court order from a Kogi State High Court restraining Bello’s arrest or detention pending further legal proceedings.
Despite this, the EFCC declared Bello wanted after a failed attempt to apprehend him at his Abuja residence.
Meanwhile, Bello’s legal team is currently seeking to vacate the arrest warrant issued against him, which would allow him to voluntarily appear before the court without enforcement actions by the EFCC or other security agencies.
