Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has indicated his willingness to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to face charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, Bello did not appear for his arraignment on Tuesday, citing concerns over a possible arrest order. His legal team informed the court that Bello was apprehensive of such an order.
“The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head,” said Adeola Adedipe, SAN, a member of Bello’s legal team.
Adedipe requested the court to set aside the ex parte arrest order previously issued against Bello, arguing that it was issued before the charges were served on his client.
Furthermore, Bello’s legal team challenged the legality of the EFCC, asserting that the Federal Government did not consult the 36 states of the federation before enacting the EFCC Act through the National Assembly.
“This is a very serious matter that borders on the constitution and the tenets of federalism. It has to be resolved because as it stands, the EFCC is an illegal organization,” Adedipe argued.
In response, EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to reject Bello’s application, stating that the arrest warrant should not be lifted until Bello presents himself for trial.
“The defendant cannot stay in hiding and be filing numerous applications. He cannot ask for the arrest order to be vacated until and when the defendant is present in court for his arraignment,” Pinheiro argued.
Pinheiro further asserted that the court cannot effectively adjudicate on Bello’s applications until he is physically present.
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