A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, has issued a public summons for former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to appear in court on October 24, 2024.
The summons is in connection with a 16-count charge filed against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Maryanne Anenih issued the summons on Thursday after the EFCC filed an application, stating that they had been unable to serve Bello with the charges, which were filed on September 24. The charges include allegations of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
The court ordered the EFCC to publish the public summons in a widely circulated newspaper and post copies of it at Bello’s last known address, as well as in noticeable places around the court premises.
Bello, along with two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is accused of mismanaging public funds during his time as governor of Kogi State. His absence on Thursday caused the postponement of the scheduled arraignment.
The case has drawn significant attention, with civil society groups calling for action. One such group recently urged the Inspector General of Police to arrest Yahaya Bello within 14 days.
The EFCC has vowed to continue pursuing the case, and Bello is expected to answer to the charges in court later this month.
