A High Court in Maitama has issued a summons for former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear before the court on October 24 to face serious allegations of fraud involving N110.4 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Bello, alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, with a 16-count indictment that includes criminal breach of trust. The charges were filed on September 24, but efforts to serve the documents to Bello have reportedly been unsuccessful, leading the EFCC to request the court’s intervention.
During a hearing on Thursday, Justice Maryanne Anenih expressed concern over the failure to serve the former governor and subsequently issued a public summons. This legally obligates Bello to appear voluntarily on the rescheduled date for his arraignment.
To ensure compliance, the court has directed the EFCC to publish the summons in a widely circulated national newspaper and to display copies at Bello’s last known address as well as in key areas of the court premises.
This latest development adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Bello’s administration and highlights the EFCC’s continued efforts to combat corruption in public office. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on the court and the defendants as they prepare to address the serious charges against them.
