Court Orders EFCC to Serve Ex-Gov Bello’s Lawyer with Charges
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on April 23, 2024
In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to serve a copy of the charges against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on his lawyer.
Trial Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in response to Bello’s absence for arraignment, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The court mandated Bello’s lawyer, Mr. Abdulwab Mohammed, SAN, who announced an unconditional appearance for the defendant, to receive the charges on behalf of his client.
Justice Nwite emphasized the importance of effective service of court processes on defendants, stating that failure to do so could render any decision reached subject to appellate challenge. Therefore, he authorized the EFCC to provide the charge and proof of evidence to Bello’s counsel, acknowledging the lawyer’s representation on behalf of the defendant.
Despite initial hesitation from Bello’s lead counsel, Mohammed, SAN, to accept the charges, the court compelled him to receive them. Bello faces a 19-count charge related to allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to approximately one billion.
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Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
