Alleged N80.2b fraud: Court insists on Yahaya Bello’s appearance

THE NATION

AFederal High Court in Abuja has insisted that its order made on April 17, for the arrest and production of ex-governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello still subsists.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Friday, May 10, held that Bello’s continued refusal to attend court and his frustration with the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to execute the arrest warrant were disrespectful of the court.

Justice Nwite held that the court would not entertain the applications filed by Bello unless he appeared in court and pleaded to a 19-count money laundering charge brought against him by the EFCC.

The judge also rejected the request by Bello’s lawyer, Abdulwahab Muhammed (SAN) that further proceedings in the case be stayed pending the determination of the appeal by the EFCC in relation to a contempt case before a High Court of Kogi state, sitting in Lokoja.

THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN THE NATION