A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has issued a summons to former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear before it on October 24, 2024, in connection with a fresh 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC has accused Bello, along with two others—Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu—of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
The trio is expected to face trial over alleged mismanagement of public funds during Bello’s tenure as governor.
At the scheduled hearing on Thursday, the EFCC informed the court that efforts to serve the charge, filed on September 24, 2024, had been unsuccessful.
Despite multiple attempts, the former governor had not been reached.
In response, presiding Judge, Justice Maryanne Anenih, issued a public summons, ordering Bello to appear before the court on the adjourned date.
She directed that the EFCC publish the summons in a widely circulated national newspaper and post it at Bello’s last known address, as well as in prominent areas within the court premises.
“The former governor is expected to voluntarily present himself for arraignment. Failure to do so will result in further legal actions,” Justice Anenih stated.
The EFCC’s move is part of ongoing efforts to hold former public officials accountable for their actions while in office, as the anti-graft agency seeks justice in the high-profile case.
