EMBATTLED former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Friday, May 10, finally agreed to appear in court for his arraignment at a Federal High Court in Abuja on June 13 to face corruption charges.
Bello’s lead Counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, who gave the undertaking to Justice Emeka Nwite shortly after the request for suspension of trial by the defendant was rejected by the court, claimed that the former governor was not afraid of arraignment, but safety of his life in the hands of the prosecutor, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mohammed said the life of his client has been under consistent threats in Abuja; hence his decision to go underground for his safety.
Bello’s decision to surrender himself for arraignment followed the assurance by Justice Nwite had earlier stated that EFCC, as a law abiding body, would not do anything against the provisions of the law.
The Judge noted that Bello was not the first former governor to be merely invited by the anti-graft agency and would not be the last, adding that the charges against were based on allegations that have not been proved, and the law presumes any accused person innocent until proven otherwise.
The Judge advised Mohammed to prevail on his client to respect the law and order of court as a law abiding person.
Bello’s counsel, in response to the admonition, thanked the Judge for the hint, adding that with the assurance that the EFCC would not do anything untoward, the former governor would be brought to court, saying: “All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life, which has been under threat for some time in Abuja.”
He requested four weeks to bring his client before the court.
Upon the undertaking and no opposition from the EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Justice Nwite fixed June 13 for Bello to appear in court for his plea to be taken.
