[BREAKING] N80.2bn fraud: Court rejects Yahaya Bello’s request to stop trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined the plea of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to suspend proceedings in the trial concerning the alleged N80.2 billion fraud leveled against him. Bello sought to halt the trial before Justice Emeka Nwite, citing an appeal lodged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Court of Appeal, related to a contempt application he had filed against the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukayode.

However, Justice Nwite, in a ruling delivered on Friday, dismissed Bello’s application presented by his counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed. Nwite asserted that the court could not entertain the application in the absence of the defendant. He emphasized that the defendant must be present for the motion filed by the prosecution to proceed.

Furthermore, Justice Nwite criticized Bello’s approach, stating that he was attempting to undermine the integrity of the criminal case by disregarding court orders and opting to remain at home. The judge’s remarks underscored the importance of adherence to legal processes and respect for judicial proceedings.