The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, proceed with the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in absentia. The EFCC argued that Bello’s repeated non-appearance for arraignment should not be allowed to hinder his trial,leadership reports.
On Wednesday, lead EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, also asked the court to enter a “not guilty” plea on Bello’s behalf. Bello faces 19 charges related to alleged money laundering of N80.2 billion. Despite being summoned for arraignment six times, he has yet to appear.
In a statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale shared that Pinheiro described Bello’s refusal to appear as a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice, urging the court not to show helplessness by failing to try him in absentia. “A court can never demonstrate helplessness,” Pinheiro stated, warning that such inaction could undermine the rule of law.
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Pinheiro further argued that a defendant’s refusal to participate in court proceedings should not derail the trial, emphasizing that justice involves three parties. In response, Bello’s counsel, Michael Adoyi, opposed the motion, citing a prior court order mandating the defendant’s presence before any motions could be addressed, asserting that the EFCC’s request violated that directive.
After hearing both sides, Justice Nwite indicated that a ruling on the matter may not be possible this year due to the court’s schedule, stating, “It may not be possible to deliver this ruling this year.” The judge then adjourned the case for ruling and arraignment until January 21, 2025, as Pinheiro proposed.
