JUST IN: Court issues public summons for Yahaya Bello over alleged N110.4bn fraud

A High Court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a public summons for the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello. The court ordered Bello to appear and respond to a new 16-count charge that is currently pending against him.

According to the summons, Bello is required to be present in court on October 24 for his arraignment, where he will be joined by two other accused individuals.

The decision to issue a public summons was made by Justice Maryanne Anenih on Thursday, following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Anenih instructed the EFCC to ensure the public summons is published in a widely read newspaper. Additionally, she ordered that copies be posted at Bello’s last known address and in noticeable areas within the court premises.

The EFCC explained that it has been unable to personally serve the ex-governor with the charges, which were filed on September 24. Bello, along with two others, is facing charges of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.

The two co-defendants named in the charges are Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.

Bello’s failure to appear in court previously caused the postponement of his arraignment, which had been set for Thursday.