The Court of Appeal has ordered former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to present himself for arraignment in a case involving alleged misappropriation of over N80 billion. The court also set aside a previous judgment and restrained Bello from taking further legal action until he complied with the arraignment order.
In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal has issued a directive for the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to present himself for arraignment. This ruling follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) ongoing investigation into allegations that Bello misappropriated over N80 billion during his eight-year tenure as governor.
The court's decision not only mandates Bello’s immediate appearance but also restrains him from taking any further legal actions until he complies with the arraignment order. This comes after the Appeal Court nullified a previous judgment by the Kogi State High Court, further complicating Bello’s legal battles.
Bello's location has been a subject of speculation since an unsuccessful attempt by the EFCC to arrest him at his Abuja residence several months ago. The operation, reportedly thwarted by Governor Usman Ododo, has left the former governor's whereabouts unknown, adding to the intrigue surrounding the case.
The EFCC's charges against Bello are centered on accusations of massive financial misconduct during his time in office. The agency alleges that the former governor was involved in the mismanagement of public funds amounting to over N80 billion, a claim that has sparked widespread concern and demands for accountability.