By Abigail Philip David
Security was heightened at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took strategic positions ahead of the resumed trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Armed EFCC operatives blocked a major road leading to the court complex with one of their vehicles, while sniffer dogs and other security measures were deployed at the entrance.
Lawyers arriving at the court expressed unease over the heavy security presence, with many murmuring about being subjected to rigorous checks.
Bello, who is facing a 19-count charge related to an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing. On December 13, 2024, the court granted him bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like amount.
The legal battle continues before Justice Emeka Nwite, with Joseph Daudu, SAN, leading Bello’s defense, while Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, heads the EFCC’s prosecution team.
