The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the plea of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to suspend proceedings in the N80.2bn fraud case against him.
Bello’s request, aimed at stoping the trial before Justice Emeka Nwite, was based on an ongoing appeal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding a contempt application against its chairman, Ola Olukayode.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Nwite rejected Bello’s application presented by his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed.
“The application cannot be entertained unless the defendant is present in the court,” emphasized Justice Nwite, highlighting Bello’s absence during the proceedings.
Justice Nwite further criticized Bello’s disregard for court orders, stating, “Bello was trying to make rubbish out of a criminal case by choosing to stay in his house and not respect the court orders.”
