A Nigerian High Court has directed that a hearing notice be served on Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, at his residence and on the court’s notice board, due to his repeated failure to appear in court for arraignment on charges of fraud involving N101.4 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed 16 counts of fraud against Bello, totaling N110.4 billion.
Despite a public summons issued on October 3, 2024, Bello failed to appear, prompting the court’s latest directive.
Justice Maryanne Anenih ordered the hearing notice to be pasted at Bello’s residence (No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja) and displayed on the court’s notice board.
The public summons expires on November 17, 2024, allowing Bello a few days to comply.
The EFCC requested an adjournment to give Bello more time to respond to the public summons, which has a 30-day period for his appearance.
Counsel for the EFCC, Jamiu Agoro, stated that issuing a warrant of arrest is premature, as the 30-day compliance period has not expired.
Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s request, setting November 27, 2024, as the new date for Bello’s arraignment.
