Court Orders Yahaya Bello to Surrender for Arraignment

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has directed former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to present himself for arraignment, ending a protracted legal standoff with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello has been embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute with the EFCC, which led to a warrant for his arrest after he repeatedly failed to comply with court orders to surrender for arraignment.

In response, Bello, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Abdulwahab Mohammed, argued that since the alleged offence occurred during his tenure as governor, the case should be heard in Kogi State. He asserted that only the Lokoja Division of the high court holds the territorial jurisdiction to adjudicate the allegations brought against him by the EFCC.

However, in its ruling on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal restrained Bello from taking any further steps in the case until he complies with the order to be arraigned.

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings between Bello and the EFCC.