Kogi State’s former governor, Yahaya Bello, has been accused by the Federal High Court in Abuja of attempting to impede the criminal case against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court, in the ruling delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, said:
“Yahaya Bello briefing lawyers to challenge courts jurisdiction to try him, while he remained in hiding, shows that he has no atom of respect and regard for the court.”
“The defendant’s decision to file the application is clearly showing his intention not to present himself for trial, he ought to have made himself available upon becoming aware of the order of arrest that was issued against him.”
“The law is settled that he who disobeyed an order of court and shown disrespect to the court cannot expect a favourable discretion of the court.”
“The honourable thing the defendant would have done was to obey the order of court by making himself available.”
“Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, mandates all persons and authority to give effect to orders of court.”
“He has wilfully disobeyed the order of this court. An order of a court of competent jurisdiction, no matter how it was obtained, subsists until it is set aside.”
“A party who refuses to obey an order of court after becoming aware of it is in contempt of court.”
“He is not entitled to be heard or granted a favourable discretion. The refusal of the defendant to make himself available is solely to truncate the arraignment and prevent the court from proceeding further in this case.”
“Refusal of the defendant to make himself available in an attempt to truncate this court and make it practically impossible for the court to assume jurisdiction in this criminal trial.”
“He ought to make himself available. He cannot sit in the comfort of his home to file applications before this court.”
“The defendant has no atom or regard for the court. The defendant is taking this court for granted.”
“Given the foregoing analysis, I am of the view and I so hold, that no application can be moved or heard unless the defendant is present before the court to take his plea.”
For those who don’t know, Yahaya Bello is facing a charge bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.
