The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arraign former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, due to the absence of his legal representation. Bello had been due to enter a plea on charges of fraud involving N80.2 billion, but the court ruled against proceeding without his lawyers present.
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 a 19-count charge bordering on his alleged complicity in an N80.2 billion fraud. However, when the matter was called up, none of the lawyers representing the former governor were present in court.
However, Justice Nwite was not convinced by the prosecution's argument. In his short ruling, he stated that he was not willing to compel the defendant to enter his plea to the charge when his lawyers are not in court.The judge noted that the defendant's lawyers were not notified that the case would come up on Friday, and that it would be a breach of fair hearing to proceed with the arraignment in their absence.“It would have been different if the defendant had no lawyer representing him.
Federal High Court EFCC Alhaji Yahaya Bello Kogi State Fraud N80.2 Billion Justice Emeka Nwite Economic And Financial Crimes Commission
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