The federal high court in Abuja has rejected a request by Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi to stop his trial in the N80 billion fraud case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, through his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, asked the court to stay further proceedings on the criminal charge.
However, Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, refused to stay the proceedings.
“I am shocked to my bone marrow that despite the ruling, the senior lawyer made this application,” Nwite said.
“Notwithstanding this flagrant abuse of court process, in view of section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, this court shall not stay proceedings in this charge.”
Addressing the senior lawyer, the judge said: “You, as a counsel ought to advise him correctly. Is he the only former governor that has been invited or charged by the EFCC?”
“How many people have been killed by the EFCC? This is a matter that has attracted the attention of the whole world.
“If he reports himself and anything untoward happens to him, the EFCC will be held accountable.
“The law is very clear that an accused is presumed innocent. This is merely a charge, an allegation that has not been proved.
“It is for you to advise him properly. Bring him here and prepare yourself. This is only an allegation that has not been proved.”
In his submission, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC, said the commission, as a law-abiding organisation, would not take any illegal action against the defendant.
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