The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has issued a public summons for the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, compelling him to appear in court on October 24.
This is in connection with a fresh 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
According to the Nation, Justice Maryanne Anenih, in a ruling on Thursday, granted the EFCC’s request for the summons, noting that the anti-graft agency had made unsuccessful attempts to serve Bello with the charges filed on September 24.
The charges, which involve criminal breach of trust amounting to N110.4 billion, also name two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
“The court hereby orders the EFCC to issue a public summons for Mr. Bello’s appearance, which should be published in a widely read newspaper,” Justice Anenih said in her ruling.
She further directed that copies of the summons be posted at Bello’s last known address and in conspicuous places within the court premises.
The arraignment, which was initially set for Thursday, had to be postponed due to Bello’s absence.
According to the EFCC, the former governor, along with his co-defendants, is facing allegations of embezzling public funds during his tenure.
The EFCC will now proceed to publish the summons ahead of the October 24 court date, when Bello and his co-accused are expected to be formally arraigned.
