Yahaya Bello restores order in court after judge exits over chaos

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, took charge of a chaotic courtroom on Wednesday after Justice Maryann Anenih abruptly walked out during proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama.

Bello, who was present to be arraigned on 16-count charges alongside his co-defendants, witnessed a tense scene as the courtroom became overcrowded with his followers and sympathizers. The judge, displeased with the disorder, rose abruptly and declared she would not return until calm was restored.

As tensions mounted, Bello took matters into his own hands. Rising from his seat at the front of the courtroom, the former governor addressed the surging crowd. He directed his supporters to vacate their seats and leave the courtroom immediately.

“You all need to leave now,” he commanded firmly, ensuring his instructions were followed without resistance. One by one, his followers exited the courtroom, diffusing the tension.

Read also: Ex-gov Yahaya Bello pleads not guilty to N110bn fraud charges, to stay in EFCC custody

To maintain order, Bello positioned himself at the courtroom entrance, personally ensuring no one disobeyed the judge’s directive. His intervention brought calm to the proceedings, enabling the legal teams to prepare for the case.

The Federal Government’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro, was present to prosecute the case, while Bello’s defense was spearheaded by another SAN Joseph Dauda.

The former governor faces allegations of laundering over N80 billion during his tenure in Kogi State. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Bello wanted in April 2024, and the charges against him include conspiracy, money laundering, and financial misappropriation.

The arraignment was a significant step in the case, which also involves Bello’s nephews, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, who were accused of collaborating in the alleged financial crimes.

Bello’s courtroom intervention not only restored decorum but also underscored the high-profile nature of the trial, which continues to draw widespread public attention.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now