COURT REJECTS EFCC’S REQUEST TO ARRAIGN EX-GOV BELLO WITHOUT HIS LAWYERS

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arraign the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the absence of his lawyers.

Bello was scheduled to enter his plea before trial Justice Emeka Nwite, on another 19-count charge that bordered on his alleged complicity in an N80.2billion fraud.

Bello informed the court that he only learnt of the arraignment late last night and was unable to reach his legal team.

Justice Nwite, however, said he was not willing to compel the defendant to enter his plea to the charge when his lawyers are not in court.