Accusations have been leveled against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, by the Federal High Court in Abuja for attempting to obstruct the criminal case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Justice Emeka Nwite reaffirmed the court’s directive issued on April 17, commanding security agencies to apprehend and present Bello to answer to the 19-count charge against him.
The court noted that Bello’s efforts to challenge its jurisdiction through lawyers, while evading detection, demonstrated a lack of respect for the court.
By refusing to comply with the court order and disrespecting its authority, Bello forfeited any expectation of leniency from the court.
According to the constitution, all individuals and authorities are obligated to abide by court orders, including Bello who deliberately flouted the directive for his arrest.
In defiance of the court’s order, Bello’s actions constitute contempt of court, hindering the progress of the trial and undermining the court’s jurisdiction.
It was imperative for Bello to present himself before the court upon being made aware of the arrest order. However, his failure to do so was seen as a deliberate ploy to impede the proceedings.
The court emphasized that Bello’s reluctance to cooperate was a disrespectful maneuver to evade justice and disrupt due legal process.
Instead of complying with the court’s directive, Bello took advantage of his absence to hinder the trial, a move that was deemed contemptuous and in violation of the law.
The court expressed disappointment in Bello’s disregard for its authority and concluded that his actions were a blatant disregard for the judicial system.