Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state, is the target of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which claims to be considering the “military option.”
The federal high court in Abuja postponed the trial of Bello, Alli Bello, the Kogi governor’s chief of staff, and one Daudu Suleiman until April 23 on Thursday.
The Kogi government’s N100 billion was allegedly diverted by the suspects, according to the EFCC.
In response to the EFCC’s accusations, the Kogi government declared that state funds were not misplaced while the former governor was in office.
The former Kogi governor was not present in the courtroom on Thursday.
Kemi Pinhero, EFCC counsel, said Bello’s absence from the court was a strategy.
Responding, Abdulwahab Muhammed, Bello’s lawyer, said on February 9, a court issued a restraining order on the arrest and prosecution of the former governor.
He said the restraining order was appealed by the EFCC, adding that the case is still pending and therefore the arrest warrant granted against Bello on Wednesday does not stand.
Muhammed accused the EFCC of trying to bring the judge on a collision course with the court of appeal.
He said the court has no jurisdiction on the matter as the case is pending at the court of appeal.
Muhammed asked the court to vacate the arrest warrant granted against Bello because the court was “misled”.
He said it may lead to anarchy if a court of competent jurisdiction and another court of competent jurisdiction issue opposing orders.
Responding, Pinhero said if the former Kogi governor believes he is innocent, he should appear in court to defend himself.
He said if Bello is unwilling to appear before the court, measures will be taken against him.
He said section 287 of the constitution allows security agencies, including the military, to produce a person before a court, adding that nobody is above the court or the rule of law.
After hearing arguments from the counsel, Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, adjourned further hearing to April 23.
