On Wednesday, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello played an unexpected role in calming a chaotic courtroom after Justice Maryann Anenih walked out due to disruptions. The incident took place during Bello’s scheduled arraignment at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Justice Anenih had entered the courtroom to hear the former governor’s plea, but as the atmosphere became increasingly disorderly, she abruptly rose and declared she would not return until order was restored. In the midst of the tense situation, Bello, who had been seated at the front of the courtroom, stood up and immediately took action.

He moved toward the unruly crowd, calmly instructing his followers and supporters to vacate their seats and exit the courtroom. His quick intervention helped defuse the situation without any resistance from the crowd, and one by one, his supporters left the courtroom.

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To ensure further compliance with the court’s order, Bello sat near the entrance, overseeing that no one ignored the judge’s request for a peaceful environment.

Meanwhile, the legal teams representing both the Federal Government and the former governor were present for the arraignment. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, is leading the prosecution for the Federal Government, while Joseph Dauda, SAN, represents Bello in the case. The charges against Bello and his co-defendants include the alleged laundering of over N80 billion.

Bello, who was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2024, faces 19 charges alongside his nephews, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu. The case continues to unfold as the court adjourned proceedings, with the next hearing scheduled for December 10.