EFCC Issues Public Summons To Yahaya Bello, Asks Him to Appear In Court On November 14

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to appear in court on November 14 to face charges of financial misconduct during his time in office.

In a public announcement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the EFCC stated that Bello, who is facing multiple allegations of misappropriation of funds, is required to appear at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama at 9:00 am.

The charges stem from activities that allegedly occurred between 2016 and 2023 while he served as governor.

The notice reads: “Complaint has been made this day on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that you (YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO) sometime within the year 2016 up until 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit offences to wit:

“Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to Section 311 of Penal Code Law Cap. 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963, Punishable under SECTION 312 of same Law;

“and Having possession or control of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained contrary to and punishable under Section 319A of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of the Northern Nigeria 1963.

“You are hereby summoned to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court of Justice (High Court No. 3) sitting at Maitama on the 14th day of November 2024 at the hour of 9:00 am to answer to the said complaint.”

Bello has been elusive since an arrest warrant was issued against him on April 17 in connection with an N80 billion money laundering case.

Despite several attempts to apprehend him, the former governor has evaded arrest and refuse to appear in court.

In September, the EFCC filed additional charges against him, including a new N110 billion fraud case as part of a 16-count indictment.

Yahaya Bello, along with two Kogi state officials, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is accused of acquiring assets through illicit means.

Instead of complying with the summons in September, Bello sought relief from the Supreme Court, challenging the EFCC’s arrest warrant.

KanyiDaily recalls that FCT High Court had also issued a public summons for Yahaya Bello to appear in court to face 16 new allegations against him.