N80 billion Fraud: “I am Afraid” — Yahaya Bello

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has expressed his willingness to face the 19-count charge leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the Federal High Court, Abuja. However, Bello has cited fear of arrest as a hindrance to his appearance in court.

During the recent court proceedings where Bello was absent, his legal representatives conveyed his readiness to participate in the case. Speaking on behalf of the governor, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court about Bello’s apprehension regarding a looming arrest.

Adedipe emphasized Bello’s desire to attend the proceedings personally but highlighted the concern over an outstanding order for his arrest.

“The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head,” Adedipe said.

He urged the court to reconsider the arrest order, noting that the recent approval for substituted service of the charge on Bello’s lawyer had just been granted.

Highlighting the timing discrepancy between the arrest warrant and the authorization for substituted service, Adedipe stressed the unfairness of Bello facing potential arrest under such circumstances.