A member of Yahaya Bello’s legal team, Adedayo Adedipe, conveyed a message to Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bello, facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering totaling ₦84 billion, was absent from court during his arraignment.
Adedipe explained that Bello feared an unfair hearing and justice, which led to his absence.
In response, Justice Nwite ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to serve a copy of the charges on Bello’s lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohamed.
The court invoked section 384 (4 and 5) of the Administrative and Criminal Justice Act 2015, allowing substituted service when personal service is impossible.
Despite initial reluctance, Bello’s lawyer, Mohammed, accepted the charges and evidence under compulsion from Justice Nwite.
Adedipe defended Bello, asserting that he was willing to appear in court to address the charges.
Bello previously argued that the EFCC was an illegal organization, claiming that the Federal Government failed to consult the states before enacting the EFCC Act.
He cited constitutional requirements for ratification by state Houses of Assembly.
The counsel to the EFCC, Kemi Phinheiro countered, urging the court not to set aside the arrest warrant until Bello appears for trial.
The senior lawyer emphasized that Bello’s applications were delaying tactics, and the key issue was determining his whereabouts.
Justice Nwite instructed that the N84 billion fraud charge sheet against Bello be served on his lawyer.
The EFCC agreed not to execute the arrest warrant if Bello’s counsel ensures his presence at the next adjourned date.
Recall that Justice Nwite issued a bench warrant against Bello based on an EFCC application. The former governor is now wanted for evading criminal charges by persistently avoiding court appearances.
