The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indicated that the arrest warrant issued against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, could be set aside if he appears in court as required.
This statement was made by EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bello was absent from his arraignment, and a warrant of arrest had been issued against him by Justice Emeka Nwite last week.
A member of Bello’s legal team, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN), expressed that his client would like to appear in court but is apprehensive due to the arrest warrant.
Pinheiro assured that if Bello shows up for the next adjourned date and undertakes to be present in court, the arrest warrant could be set aside.
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Bello is facing a 19-count charge including money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
Adedipe requested the court to set aside the exparte order of arrest, citing that Bello had not been served the charge as required by law before the warrant was issued.
However, Pinheiro argued that Bello should not be allowed to file applications to vacate the arrest warrant while remaining in hiding. He emphasized that Bello’s physical presence in court is necessary for the proceedings to progress effectively, as per the provisions of section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The situation underscores the legal complexities surrounding Bello’s case and highlights the importance of his presence in court for the due process of law to be upheld.
