Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the Federal High Court in Abuja, has issued a warrant for the arrest of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The warrant was granted based on an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 17, 2024.
In the motion labeled FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, the EFCC requested the court’s assistance in serving Bello with the charges and evidence through alternative methods.
The EFCC also sought an order for the immediate arrest of Bello to facilitate his arraignment.
Part of the relief sought by the EFCC indicated: “An order allowing the complainant/applicant to serve the charge and evidence to the defendant through alternative means, such as posting the documents at the defendant’s last known address within the court’s jurisdiction at 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.”
“An order for the immediate arrest of the defendant to ensure his presence before this honorable court for arraignment,” the EFCC stated.
In response to the motion, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the immediate arrest of the former Kogi State governor.
He further instructed that Bello be brought before the court on Thursday, April 18 for arraignment.
Justice Nwite declared: “The following orders are hereby issued:
“This court directs an immediate arrest warrant for the defendant to facilitate his appearance before this honorable court for arraignment.
“The case is adjourned to April 18, 2024, for further proceedings.”
It is pertinent to note that a High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, had previously barred the EFCC from arresting or violating the fundamental human rights of the former governor.