Lawyer’s absence stalls Yahaya Bello’s arraignment
Written by News Desk on November 29, 2024
The arraignment of a former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was stalled on Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to the absence of his defence counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN).
Mohammed was reportedly unaware of the hearing date, leading to his absence in court.
Bello faces a 19-count charge of money laundering amounting to N84 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In a separate case before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Bello has already been arraigned on a 16-count charge of fraud involving N110.4 billion.
As Justice Emeka Nwite prepared to proceed with the arraignment on Friday, he noticed the absence of the defence counsel and inquired about his whereabouts.
Bello informed the court that he only learnt of the arraignment late Thursday night and was unable to reach his legal team.
EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment in the absence of Bello’s lawyer.
