Appeal Court Bars Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello from Filing Objections Before Arraignment
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court ruling that restrains former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, from filing any preliminary objections until he is formally arraigned. The unanimous decision was delivered by a three-member panel of justices on Tuesday.
Justice Kenneth Amadi, who read the judgment in appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/536 filed by Bello against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, affirmed that the trial court, led by Justice Emeka Nwite, was correct in deciding that no applications, including the appellant’s challenge to its jurisdiction, would be entertained before arraignment.
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The court dismissed the appeal, stating that there is no distinction between pre and post-arraignment objections and upheld the trial court’s issuance of a warrant of arrest for Bello, noting that he had been aware of the charges against him but refused to appear in court.
In a related ruling, the appellate court also dismissed Bello’s appeal in case number CA/ABJ/CV/535/2024, affirming that the service of charges on the appellant’s counsel was valid and in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Additionally, in appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/412/2024 between the EFCC and Yahaya Bello, the Court of Appeal overturned a trial court order that had previously restrained the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Bello. The court ruled that no court has the authority to shield individuals from prosecution under the guise of enforcing fundamental rights.
The appellate court has ordered Bello to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to enter his plea in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 before any further steps can be taken in the case.
Source: Solace Base
https://solacebase.com/appeal-court-orders-ex-gov-yahaya-bello-to-appear-for-arraignment/
