Court summons ex-Kogi governor over fresh 16-count charges

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has issued a public summons against the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in connection with a fresh 16-count charge.

The court has ordered Bello to appear before it on October 24, 2024, for arraignment alongside two other co-defendants. This follows an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is leading the prosecution.

Justice Maryanne Anenih, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, October 3, 2024, granted the EFCC’s request for a public summons, compelling Bello’s appearance in court. The charges against the former governor remain undisclosed but are expected to be part of a larger investigation by the anti-graft agency.

This latest development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against Bello, who served as Kogi State governor from 2016 to 2024.