Former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has once again failed to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment on corruption charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case, originally scheduled for arraignment today, marks another instance of Bello's absence despite assurances from his legal counsel during the last adjourned date. On May 10, Bello's lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, assured Justice Emeka Nwite that the former governor would appear in court, attributing previous absences to concerns over his safety in the custody of the EFCC in Abuja.

However, Bello did not show up as promised today, prompting Justice Nwite to adjourn the case once more. The new date set for his arraignment is June 27, 2024.

The charges filed against Bello by the EFCC include 19 criminal counts at the Federal High Court in Abuja. These charges allege criminal breach of trust and money laundering, accusing Bello of converting approximately N80.25 billion belonging to the Kogi State government in February 2016 for personal use. Additionally, Bello is accused of using proceeds of crime amounting to N950 million, indirectly through associates, to acquire property in Abuja.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, positions Yahaya Adoza Bello as the sole defendant, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant. The charges are serious and fall under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.

Despite repeated adjournments and assurances, Bello's failure to appear for arraignment continues to delay legal proceedings, while the EFCC presses forward with its allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.