Yahaya Bello Failed To Appear In Court Today
The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been urged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to concentrate on proving his innocence in the face of financial impropriety charges rather than spinning his story as a victim of political persecution.
The EFCC demanded in a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday that Bello put his legal defense—he is accused of money laundering on eighteen counts—as his first priority.
The former governor has been accused by the Commission of adopting diversionary methods to avoid a standing trial, and the Commission voiced displeasure over his persistent attempts to sabotage the judicial process.
Bello’s allegation that he was the target of an assassination after attempts to apprehend him at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge is deemed “preposterous” and “unfounded” by the EFCC.
The former governor has been accused by the Commission of adopting diversionary methods to avoid a standing trial, and the Commission voiced displeasure over his persistent attempts to sabotage the judicial process.
Bello’s allegation that he was the target of an assassination after attempts to apprehend him at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge is deemed “preposterous” and “unfounded” by the EFCC.
The statement said, “Yahaya Bello’s suggestion that he was the victim of a phantom assassination attempt because the EFCC wanted to arrest him is ridiculous.”
“These unfounded charges are merely a cheesy attempt at sensationalism, intended to divert attention from the actual matter at hand, which is the charges he has to face in court.”
Bello’s refusal to appear before Federal High Court Judge Emeka Nwite in Abuja, where the accusations against him were lodged, according to the Commission, is unacceptable.
They issued a warning that Bello will not stop avoiding punishment, even if his attorneys are making every effort to get him into court.
The EFCC made clear that Bello’s actions—which included a widely reported visit at the Commission’s headquarters on September 18—were nothing more than publicity stunts meant to sway public opinion.
References and Citation
pmnewsnigeria.com – EFCC fires back: ‘Yahaya Bello should defend himself in court, not play the victim
thecable.ng – Yahaya Bello heads to supreme court as judge adjourns ‘money
premiumtimesng.com – Yahaya Bello snubs court again, cites Supreme Court appeals as reason
thisdaylive.com – EFCC and the Bello Fever
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