Court rejects EFCC’s request to arraign Yahaya Bello without legal representation

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was on Friday brought to the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment but without his lawyers present.

He was brought to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for his plea to be taken on a new charge.

However, drama erupted when the charges were about to be read to him, and the judge, Emeka Nwite, discovered that the defendant had no legal representation.

Bello told the court that he learned of the arraignment late Thursday night and, therefore, could not reach any of his lawyers.

Although the EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, insisted that Bello be arraigned, Justice Nwite refused the request on the grounds that such action would amount to a breach of Bello’s fundamental right to a fair hearing.

Justice Nwite said he was mindful of the defendant’s claim that he learned of the arraignment late the previous night.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite, while rejecting the arraignment, fixed December 13 for the next hearing.

The judge directed that Bello be held in EFCC custody until that date.

Justice Nwite also ordered that a hearing notice be served on Bello’s lawyers to ensure their attendance in court.