Money Laundering:Yahaya Bello Challenges EFCC At Supreme Court

Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has taken the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Supreme Court for declaring him wanted.

Bello is facing a 19-count charge for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion.

He was scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment but his lawyers, led by A.M. Adoyi, informed the court of an appeal pending before the Supreme Court.

The appeal, filed on September 23, seeks to set aside the arrest warrant issued against Bello on April 17.

Adoyi urged the trial court to suspend the arraignment until the Supreme Court decides on the appeal.

He cited appeal numbers SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024, emphasizing that proceeding with the arraignment would render the appeal null [1).

However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, accused Bello’s lawyer of helping his client ridicule the judiciary’s integrity.

Pinheiro noted that Bello’s lawyer was part of his defence team when the court ruled that it would no longer entertain applications from the defendant until he appeared for trial.

Pinheiro described the defence lawyer’s actions as “audacious irresponsibility” and urged the court to impose its coercive powers.

He also highlighted that Bello claimed to have visited the EFCC office accompanied by someone with immunity, which could have led to an altercation and “invitation to anarchy.”

Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned the matter until October 30 for ruling.

This development is the latest in Bello’s ongoing legal battle with the EFCC.

Bello’s legal team is seeking to stall the trial, citing legal precedents and provisions.

They argue that the court should await the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal before proceeding with the arraignment.

The EFCC, however, is pushing for the trial to continue, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against Bello.

The Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal will significantly impact the outcome of the case.

As the case unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the judiciary handles this high-profile corruption case.

The EFCC has secured convictions in similar cases, demonstrating its commitment to combating corruption.

In this case, the agency is determined to ensure that justice is served, and those involved are held accountable.
source: vanguard news