The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied Yahaya Bello’s request to suspend the trial regarding the N80.2bn fraud charges against him.
Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, sought to pause the proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite, citing an appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against his contempt application toward EFCC chairman Ola Olukayode.
However, Justice Nwite, in his Friday ruling, dismissed Bello’s application presented by his lawyer Abdulwahab Mohammed.
The Judge said “The application cannot be entertained unless the defendant is present in the court. In the absence of the defendant in court, the motion on notice filed by the complainant can only be conducted if the defendant is in court”.
Bello agrees to appear in court for arraignment
Mr. Bello, represented by his lawyer Abdulwahab Mohammed, agreed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment on June 13 in the corruption charges against him.
Abdulwahab made the commitment to Justice Nwite following the court’s rejection of the defendant’s request to suspend the trial.
The senior lawyer stated that the former governor’s concern was not fear of arraignment, but rather the safety of his life while in the custody of the EFCC in Abuja
He said “All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life which has been under threat for sometimes in Abuja.