Court Seeks Arrest of Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello for Alleged Money Laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sought the arrest of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on a 19-count money laundering charge.

The case is currently being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Justice Emeka Nwite presiding.

Bello’s legal team, led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, has requested that the court set aside the arrest warrant issued against the former governor.

The defense argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to grant the order, citing a preliminary objection that has already been filed.

Additionally, Mohammed pointed out that a High Court of Kogi had previously issued an order on February 9, restraining the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello.

The defense further contended that the EFCC’s attempt to secure an arrest warrant was an effort to create conflict with the Court of Appeal, where the order from the High Court of Kogi is currently being challenged. The matter is set to be heard at the Court of Appeal.

In response, EFCC’s lawyer, Kehinde Pinhero, SAN, argued that the matter was fixed for Bello’s arraignment and that Mohammed’s announcement of appearance for the ex-governor should allow for the case to proceed.

Pinhero also emphasized that the arrest warrant was necessary to ensure that Bello appears in court to face the charges against him, as all previous attempts to serve him had been unsuccessful.

The hearing is still ongoing, and the outcome will determine whether the arrest warrant against Yahaya Bello will be set aside or if he will be arraigned on the money laundering charges.