The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, to proceed with the trial of a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in absentia, arguing that his non-appearance in court for arraignment should not be allowed to frustrate his trial.
The EFCC through its lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, also urged the court to enter a plea of “not guilty” on behalf of Bello.
Bello is facing trial on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion. The court had summoned him for arraignment six consecutive times.