The Court of Appeal, Abuja on Tuesday ordered the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to appear before it for arraignment on corruption charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Court also restrained him from taking further steps in the charges unless he is arraigned by the EFCC.
The appellate court also set aside the judgement delivered by Justice I.A Jamil of the Kogi State High Court, Lokoja, restraining the EFCC, from arresting, detaining and prosecuting former governor.
Bello’s whereabouts have been unknown since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission attempted to arrest him during a raid from his residence in Abuja, a few months ago.
Bello, who deferred arraignment and plea bargain, at the Federal High Court, Abuja on June 27, 2024, wrote the court a letter that he would prefer to be tried in his state.
However, the prosecution, Kemi Pinhero, asked the court to compel the defence lawyer to say why the defendant was not in court, despite an undertaking he made on June 13, to ensure his presence in court for his scheduled arraignment which has been adjourned multiple times.
Pinehero contended that the letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, did not discharge the undertaking made by Bello’s counsel at the previous sitting.
He said a situation where a petition is forwarded against a judge to the National Judicial Council, does not stop proceedings on cases pending before the judge.
He said the court should invite Bello’s counsels to show cause why they should not be dealt with for contemptuous conduct.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned proceedings to await response from the CJ on the matter.
He subsequently adjourned to September 25 for arraignment.
