The Court of Appeal issued a directive on Tuesday, compelling Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to present himself for arraignment without delay.
News About Nigeria reports that the court also restricted Bello, prohibiting him from taking any further action related to the charge until he has been formally arraigned.
Furthermore, the court overturned the previous judgement delivered by the Kogi State High Court.
Bello’s current location remains unknown, following an attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to apprehend him at his Abuja residence several months ago.
In April, he was declared wanted over alleged N80 billion in financial crimes.
The anti-graft commission had asked anyone with useful information on Bello’s whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station.
Before the declaration, EFCC operatives barricaded Bello’s Abuja residence. Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at Bello’s residence and was said to have left with the former governor in his vehicle.
However, Abdulwahab Muhammed, Bello’s lawyer, said his client was in his state when the EFCC operatives besieged his residence.
Bello was absent in court when the EFCC arraigned him. His arraignment came after a warrant of arrest and enrolment order was granted to the EFCC by the court.
“It is needful to state that Bello is not above the law and would be brought to justice as soon as possible,” the EFCC said in a statement.
The federal high court in Abuja adjourned the case against Bello, Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; and one Daudu Suleiman.
