The former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, expressed readiness to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to address the 19-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Despite his absence during the arraignment, Bello briefed his legal team to represent him in court on Tuesday.

A member of his legal team, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that Bello was willing to attend the proceedings but expressed fear of being arrested. Adedipe, SAN, requested the court to set aside the ex parte order of arrest issued against Bello, arguing that the charge had not been properly served to him at the time the warrant was issued.

Additionally, Bello's legal team contended that the EFCC is an unlawful organization, emphasizing that the establishment of the EFCC Act did not involve consultation with the 36 States of the federation as required by the Constitution. They argued that the absence of ratification by the various State Houses of Assembly rendered the EFCC an illegal entity.

In response, EFCC's lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to reject Bello's application, asserting that the arrest warrant should remain in place until Bello makes himself available for trial. Pinheiro argued against setting aside the arrest warrant, highlighting that Bello's absence and multiple applications were delaying tactics aimed at obstructing the legal process.

Moreover, EFCC emphasized that the legality of its operations had been settled by the Supreme Court and reiterated the charges against Bello, accusing him of embezzlement and money laundering involving public funds. They emphasized that the charges were against Bello as an individual, not against any state or legislative body.

EFCC expressed willingness to waive the execution of the arrest warrant if Bello's counsel undertook to ensure his presence in court for the next hearing. Pinheiro assured the court that if such an undertaking was provided, he would personally request the discharge of the arrest warrant.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.