The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has manned the Federal High Court in Abuja as former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello’s trial on alleged fraud charges commenced on Monday.
The EFCC operatives were armed with various types of guns and blocked one of the main roads going to the court complex with one of their vehicles.
In addition to guns, security personnel completely deployed dogs and other weaponry at the court entry.
As of the time of this report, lawyers who were uncomfortable with the intimidating presence of EFCC operatives, particularly being subjected to unnecessary checks, were mumbling aloud, wondering what triggered the court’s takeover.
Recall that on Friday, December 13, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Bello bail in the amount of N500 million, with two sureties in the same amount.
The former governor pleaded not guilty to the EFCC’s 19-count allegations against him.
He is facing an alleged money laundering prosecution worth N80.2 billion but has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Joseph Daudu, SAN, represents the defendant, while Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, leads the EFCC’s legal team before Justice Emeka Nwite.
