Court Orders Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to Face Money Laundering Charges

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has directed Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to appear for arraignment before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme.

This ruling by the appellate court overturns a previous injunction issued by the Kogi State High Court that had temporarily prevented the EFCC from prosecuting Bello.

Delivering the unanimous verdict on Tuesday, the three-member panel, led by Justice Ken Amadi, also prohibited Bello from taking any further actions related to the charges until his formal arraignment.

This court ruling represents a significant setback for Bello, who has been evading authorities since the initial arrest warrant was issued against him.

The EFCC filed the appeal after the Kogi State High Court decision in February, which granted an interim injunction restraining the agency from “continuing to harass, threaten to arrest, detain, prosecute” Bello along with his former appointees, staff, or family members, pending a hearing on the substantive motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

The appellate court criticized the Kogi High Court’s judgment, labeling it “scandalous,” and pointed out that the case initiated at the trial court was an attempt to obstruct the legal process and protect Bello from prosecution.

Justice Amadi emphasized that the decision by the trial court undermined the statutory responsibilities of the EFCC, referencing a previous ruling by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole in the case of EFCC vs. Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal supported the EFCC’s arguments, deeming the appeal “meritorious.” It invoked Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), instructing Bello to appear before the court for arraignment in the case identified as Charge No.: FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022, FRN vs. Ali Bello, before pursuing any additional actions in the matter.

This decisive ruling is expected to advance the legal proceedings against Bello and ensure that the allegations of money laundering are duly addressed in a court of law.