The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello regarding his ongoing legal issues related to money laundering and corruption.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed these cases against him, with allegations amounting to N80.2 billion in earlier claims and a recent escalation to N110.4 billion in new charges.
Despite being declared wanted by the EFCC, efforts to apprehend Bello have faced setbacks attributed to political backing.
Following a failed attempt to arrest him at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, the EFCC has issued a public summons compelling Bello to appear in court on November 14, 2024.
The summons details several charges against him, including criminal breach of trust and possession of property suspected to have been unlawfully obtained, stemming from actions taken between 2016 and 2023.
The court document, issued by Justice Maryann E. Anenih, requires Bello to attend the hearing at 9:00 AM to respond to these allegations.
The document reads: “Complaint has been made this day on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that you (YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO) sometime within the year 2016 up until 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit offences to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to Section 311 of Penal Code Law Cap. 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963, Punishable under SECTION 312 of same Law; and having possession or control of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained contrary to and punishable under Section 319A of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of the Northern Nigeria 1963.
“You are hereby summoned to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court of Justice (High Court No. 3) sitting at Maitama on the 14th day of November 2024 at the hour of 9:00am to answer to the said complaint.”
