The embattled former governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been advised to avail himself in court on Wednesday over alleged N80.2bn money laundering case.
The former Kogi governor has been having a running-battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N80.2bn fraud.
A source close to the commission on Monday told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Bello’s appearance at Federal High Court in Abuja, where the anti-graft agency is trying him, would enable him take his plea.
The trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, at the last sitting held that proceedings would continue in spite of the appeal filed by the defendant before the Court of Appeal.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter till Sept. 25, for arraignment.
According to the source, the appearance would afford the former governor to take his plea in the 19- count charge filed against him.
Bello has avoided court sessions scheduled for his arraignment for at least five times, specifically on April 18, April 23,
May 10, June 13 and July 17.
It would be recalled that the court on April 17, issued a warrant for his arrest.
However, operatives of the EFCC’s attempt to effect his arrest at his residence in Wuse District, Abuja was frustrated by the police attached to the premises.
Subsequently, the EFCC declared the former governor wanted.
‘The only saving grace and last opportunity is for him to show up in court on Wednesday, Sept. 25, to take his plea.
‘The commission is not perturbed about all his moves because charges have been drafted against him already, and his delay tactics about taking his plea could only worsen his case.
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‘His last opportunity is to make himself available in court. That is the only thing that can help his case,’ the source said.
It would be recalled that Ohaire Michael, Media aide to Bello, in a statement a week ago, said that the former governor was ready to honour the EFCC invitation to clear his name as he had nothing
to hide.
Bello, according to the source, came to the EFCC, but he was turned down due to his perceived calculated moves to compromise the operational procedures of the EFCC.
‘The EFCC is a highly professional agency with strict guidelines about arrest, bail, surrender of wanted suspects, investigation and prosecution.
‘Bello came carrying himself like an emperor in an environment where he is a suspect.
‘Besides, the commission reportedly stumbled on some intelligence regarding his motives for surrendering, which could jeorpadise his trial eventually.
‘All these made the chairman, Ola Olukoyede to act swiftly and turned down his contrived surrender offer,’ another source said
The EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the new court session had been slated for Wednesday but declined further comments on the matter
Source: News Agency of Nigeria