The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the request from the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to pause the trial regarding the N80.2 billion fraud charges against him. Bello had sought to halt the proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite, citing an appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Court of Appeal against his contempt application targeting the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukayode.
However, Justice Nwite, in a ruling on Friday, declined Bello’s application presented by his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed. Nwite stated that the application could not be considered unless Bello was present in court, emphasizing that the complainant’s motion on notice could only proceed if the defendant appeared.
Nwite criticized Bello’s absence from court, remarking that it undermined the seriousness of the criminal case. He asserted that the defendant’s motion had no relevance and emphasized that someone disobeying a court order should not expect a hearing in subsequent applications. Nwite deemed Bello’s failure to appear for arraignment as an attempt to obstruct the court and evade jurisdiction.
Regarding contempt of court, Justice Nwite stressed that disobeying a court order demonstrates disrespect for the judiciary and undermines the rule of law. He reiterated that all individuals and authorities are constitutionally obligated to adhere to court orders, emphasizing that the defendant’s decision to file an application instead of appearing for arraignment reflected a disregard for judicial authority.
