Yahaya Bello, the governor of Kogi State, has affirmed his willingness to attend the Federal High Court in Abuja in response to the 19-count charge leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, Bello has voiced his apprehension regarding the prospect of being apprehended.
Despite his absence during the arraignment on Tuesday, he briefed his legal team who represented him in court.
One of his attorneys, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that Bello intended to be present for the proceedings but harbored fears of potential arrest.
Adedipe stated, “The defendant is inclined to appear in court, but concerns about a pending arrest order are holding him back.”
Consequently, he urged the court to revoke the ex parte arrest order issued against Bello earlier.
Adedipe pointed out that it was only on Tuesday’s session that the court approved alternative means of serving the charges to the defendant through his legal representative.
“At the time the warrant was issued, the directive for substituted service had not been given. It was only formalized this morning,” he explained.
“Leaving this court with an arrest warrant looming over him is an undue burden,” he added.