Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, was absent for his scheduled arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had intended to arraign Bello, along with others, on 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
Due to Bello’s absence, the prosecution sought permission to serve him the charges through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammed, who declined, stating he lacked the authority to accept the charges.
The prosecution argued that serving the defendant through his lawyer was legal and constitutional, given the lawyer’s unconditional representation in court.
The judge adjourned the matter to determine whether the prosecution can indeed serve Bello through his lawyer for arraignment, with the next hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
