Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is set to appear before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today, November 27, 2024, following his surrender to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, November 26. This appearance marks the next step in a legal case involving corruption charges filed against him by the anti-graft agency.
On Tuesday, Yahaya Bello voluntarily reported to the EFCC, accompanied by his legal team. His decision to surrender was part of the preparations for his arraignment, which had been scheduled for today. After his surrender, the EFCC detained Bello for further clarification on the charges against him and other preparations ahead of the court session.
The charges against Bello are related to allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement during his time in office as the governor of Kogi State. The EFCC’s ongoing investigation into his financial activities resulted in fresh charges being filed, prompting the summons.
Bello’s arraignment will take place in the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, under the supervision of Justice Maryan Anenih. Justice Anenih had earlier set the date for November 27, 2024, following a request made by the EFCC. The EFCC had previously issued a public summons for Bello to appear in court on October 3, 2024, in relation to the charges brought against him.
At the previous court hearing, the EFCC’s lawyer, Jamiu Agoro, reminded the court that the order made on October 3 for Bello to be arraigned had not yet expired. As a result, Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s request for an adjournment and fixed November 27 as the return date.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed that Yahaya Bello will be appearing before the FCT High Court today but did not disclose the specific time of the arraignment. The anti-graft agency is keen to move forward with the legal process and continue its investigation into Bello’s financial dealings during his tenure as governor.
The EFCC has made it clear that it will pursue these charges aggressively, and the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the former governor’s political and personal future. Bello’s legal team will have the opportunity to present a defense, but the focus will remain on the allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
The arraignment is expected to be a significant moment in the ongoing investigation. Bello will be formally charged in front of the court, and the EFCC will present evidence to support the accusations against him. Following the arraignment, the case could proceed to further hearings, where both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments.
If found guilty, Bello could face serious legal consequences, including potential fines and imprisonment. The court proceedings are likely to attract significant public attention, given the high-profile nature of the case and the political influence of the former governor.
