Yahaya Bello advised to be present in court, Wednesday

The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been advised to present himself in court on Wednesday over an alleged ₦80.2bn money laundering case against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Bello had been embroiled in a running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged ₦80.2bn fraud.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that a source close to the commission said Bello’s appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the anti-graft agency is trying him, would enable him to take his plea.

The trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, at the last sitting, held that proceedings would continue despite the appeal filed by the defendant before the Court of Appeal.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter till Sept. 25, for arraignment.

According to the source, this will be the last opportunity for the former governor to take his plea if he can make himself available in court.

The source said this would allow him plea regarding the 19-count charges filed against him over the alleged fraud.

NAN reports that Bello has avoided court sessions scheduled for his arraignment at least five times, specifically on April 18, April 23, May 10, June 13, and July 17.

It would be recalled that the court on April 17, issued a warrant for his arrest.