I want to appear in court but I am afraid of arrest – Yahaya Bello

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello did not appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment on a 19-count charge by the EFCC, fearing arrest.

“The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head,” Adedipe, SAN, submitted.

His legal team argued that the arrest warrant was premature as the charge had not been properly served. Bello’s lawyer also challenged the legality of the EFCC Act, stating that it required ratification by state Houses of Assembly.

The EFCC countered, urging the court not to set aside the arrest warrant until Bello appeared for trial, citing his absence as delaying tactics. They offered not to execute the warrant if Bello’s lawyer assured his presence at the next hearing. The EFCC maintained the legality of their actions, stating the charges were against an individual accused of misusing public funds.