Court rejects EFCC request to arraign Yahaya Bello without his lawyers in attendance

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has been brought to the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment but without his lawyers in court.

He was brought to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for his plea to be taken in 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 got to know about the arraignment late Thursday night and hence, could not reach any of his lawyers.

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

Justice Nwite said he was mindful of the claim of the defendant that he got to know about the arraignment late Thursday night.

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

The judge directed that Bello should be in the EFCC custody till the date.

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