Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has made a significant move in his legal battle against money laundering charges by appealing to the Supreme Court. The Federal High Court in Abuja recently adjourned the case until October 30, 2024, to await a ruling on Bello’s appeal to overturn an arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17.
During the court proceedings, Bello’s defense counsel, A.M. Adoyi, informed the court that the matter of Bello’s arraignment, which is currently under appeal, had been taken to the Supreme Court. Adoyi highlighted that the Court of Appeal’s ruling on August 28, directing Bello to appear for arraignment, had been challenged at the apex court.
In response, the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, criticized Bello and his legal team for what he deemed as an abuse of court processes. Pinheiro urged the trial judge to take action against Adoyi for contempt of court and irresponsible behavior, emphasizing the need for the court’s integrity to be upheld.
The ongoing legal battle revolves around Bello facing 19 counts of money laundering and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion. The case has seen various twists and turns, including Bello’s voluntary appearance at the EFCC, subsequent attempts to arrest him, and now the appeal to the Supreme Court to challenge the arrest warrant.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the outcome of Bello’s appeal and the implications it may have on the case moving forward.