Embattled Kogi State former governor, Yahaya Bello has cried out to everyone that cares to know that he is afraid of being arrested amidst his N80 billion fraud allegation.
The former governor said he was ready to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to answer to the 19-count charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preferred against him.
Yahaya Bello spoke through his lawyer, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN), who told the court that his client would have made himself available for the proceedings, but was afraid that he would be arrested.
Adedipe said: “The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head.”
“As at the time the warrant was issued, the order for substituted service had not been made. That order was just made this morning.”
“A warrant of arrest should not be hanging on his neck when we leave this court.”
“The Federal Government did not consult the 36 States of the federation before it enacted the EFCC Act through the National Assembly.”
“This is a very serious matter that borders on the constitution and the tenets of federalism. It has to be resolved because as it stands, the EFCC is an illegal organization.”
Be that as it may, EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) said; “The defendant cannot stay in hiding and be filing numerous applications. He cannot ask for the arrest order to be vacated until and when the defendant is present in court for his arraignment. He cannot be heard on that applied application.”
“The main issue should be ascertaining the whereabouts of the defendant. All these applications he is filing are nothing but dilatory tactics intended to delay his arraignment and frustrate the proceedings.”
“If he wants the order of arrest to be discharged, let him come here and make the application.”
“Our position is that the defendant should be denied the right of being heard, until he is physically present before this court.”
“If he gives an undertaking that his client will be in court on the next date, I can assure him that the arrest warrant will not be executed.”
“If he gives that assurance, as the prosecution, I will personally apply for the warrant to discharged.”
“The charge before this court is not against a state or House of Assembly, but against an individual who is said to have laundered public funds.”
“It is against an individual who is said to have taken public funds to buy houses in Lagos, Maitama and also transfered funds to his accounts abroad.”
