A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, has summoned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to appear for his arraignment on October 24, 2024. This court order follows allegations of involvement in a staggering N110.4 billion fraud.

Bello will be arraigned alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, facing a total of 16 new charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Earlier, he was declared wanted after Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant against him on April 17, 2024.

Already dealing with 19 charges related to money laundering and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion, Bello has missed five previous arraignment dates, raising concerns about his commitment to face the charges.

Justice Maryanne Anenih, presiding over the new case, has ruled that Bello must appear before the court to respond to the latest accusations of criminal breach of trust. These allegations specifically relate to the misappropriation of funds amounting to N110.4 billion.

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In light of the situation, the EFCC submitted an application indicating that it struggled to serve Bello with the new charges, which were filed on September 24. The commission has accused Bello and his co-defendants of misusing funds that were meant to be managed responsibly.

To ensure that Bello receives the summons, Justice Anenih ordered the EFCC to publish the notice in a widely read newspaper and to display copies at Bello’s last known address and within prominent areas of the court premises.

Although Bello was expected to be present for the arraignment on Thursday, his continued absence postponed the proceedings. The EFCC is steadfastly pursuing this case, marking it as one of the most significant fraud allegations involving a former governor in recent history.