A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, has issued a public summons against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, ordering his court appearance on October 24, 2024. Bello is set to face 16 fresh charges of alleged misappropriation of N110.4 billion, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.

Bello, who had previously been declared wanted by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja for failing to appear in court regarding an N80.2 billion fraud case, now faces additional charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC alleges that the defendants misappropriated entrusted funds, and despite numerous summons, Bello has failed to appear in court.

Justice Maryanne Anenih, presiding over the new charges, directed the EFCC to publicize the summons in a widely circulated newspaper and to paste copies at Bello’s last known address. This latest case adds to the mounting high-profile allegations against the former governor.