Yahaya Bello Agrees To Face Corruption Charges Amid Safety Concerns

Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has agreed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment on June 13 in the corruption charges against him.

Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, assured Justice Emeka Nwite of this commitment on Friday, following the court’s rejection of the defendant’s request to suspend the trial.

Mohammed stated that Bello was not fearful of arraignment but concerned about his safety in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

He cited ongoing threats to his client’s life in the capital as the reason for his decision to seek refuge.

The decision to comply with the court’s trial proceedings was influenced by Justice Nwite’s remarks assuring that the EFCC would act in accordance with the law.

The Judge emphasized that Bello was not the first former governor to be summoned by the anti-graft agency and stressed the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Furthermore, Justice Nwite urged Mohammed to advise his client to uphold the law and court orders as a law-abiding citizen.

In response, Bello’s lawyer expressed gratitude for the Judge’s guidance and affirmed that with the EFCC’s assurance of lawful conduct, the former governor would present himself in court.

“All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life which has been under threat for some time in Abuja,” he said.

The lawyer requested a four-week period to ensure his client’s appearance in court.

With no opposition from the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Justice Nwite scheduled June 13 as the date for Bello to appear and enter his plea.

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