By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has summoned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment on October 24.
He faces 16 fresh charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello will be arraigned alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
This development comes after Bello was previously declared wanted by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. On April 17, an arrest warrant was issued due to his repeated failure to appear before the court to face 19 counts related to money laundering and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion in public funds.
The new charges, presided over by Justice Maryanne Anenih, accuse the former governor and his co-defendants of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion. The EFCC had encountered difficulties in serving Bello with the updated charges, which were filed on September 24, prompting Justice Anenih to issue a public summons.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih ordered the EFCC to publish the summons in a widely circulated newspaper and paste copies at Bello’s last known address, as well as in visible locations within the court premises. Bello was expected in court on Thursday for the arraignment, but his absence caused the hearing to be postponed.
This case marks the latest chapter in an ongoing investigation into the former governor’s alleged financial misconduct during his time in office.