There was disruption after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Jugde Justice Maryann Anenih left the courtroom in frustration during the trial of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Top Society reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed 19 charges against the embattled former governor, alongside his nephews, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, accusing them of laundering over N80 billion.
The EFCC alleged that the former governor misused state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).
Other properties the defendants allegedly acquired with funds stolen from the Kogi state treasury, included Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams), Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
More so, the defendants were accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing unlawfully obtained property, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Efforts to arraign Bello had previously faced delays since the charges were instituted.
However, the former governor, under heavy security appeared for his arraignment on Wednesday with armed operatives of the EFCC at strategic positions of the court premises.
In the photos that surfaced, Bello, is seen dressed in a white Babanriga and exuding confidence and smiling amid chants of “Saaki” from his supporters and political aides.
However, due to some events happening during the court sitting, the Judge overseeing the plea of the former governor and two others, abruptly stood up and declared that she would not return until order was restored.
Following the judge’s departure, the former governor who had been seated at the front, quickly rose and approached the restless crowd, instructing them to vacate their seats and exit the courtroom.
His intervention effectively alleviated the tension, as his supporters left the courtroom one by one without any opposition.
To maintain order, the former governor positioned himself at the entrance of the courtroom, ensuring that none of his followers disregarded the court’s directive.
All of his aides and supporters complied with his guidance and exited the court in an orderly manner.
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
