KEY POINTS
- Yahaya Bello calmed courtroom chaos after Judge Anenih’s walkout over disorder.
- Former Kogi governor faces N80 billion laundering charges.
- Bello ensured his supporters complied with courtroom decorum.
Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, took charge of a tense situation at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Wednesday after Justice Maryann Anenih walked out due to chaos in the courtroom.
According to Punch, Bello intervened to calm his supporters, restoring order in the courtroom. On Wednesday, he and his co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, pleaded not guilty to 16 charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege fraud and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.
Bello restores order after Judge exits courtroom
Justice Anenih had entered the courtroom to preside over the case but abruptly exited after announcing she would not return until sanity was restored. The courtroom had descended into disorder as Bello’s supporters surged forward, ignoring decorum and the rules of the court.
Once the judge left, Bello rose from his seat at the front of the courtroom and directly addressed his followers. In a composed but firm tone, he directed them to vacate their seats and exit the courtroom to comply with the court’s orders. His intervention diffused the escalating tension, and his supporters began leaving the room quietly.
To reinforce order, Bello positioned himself at the courtroom entrance, ensuring no one disobeyed the directive. His actions were instrumental in calming the atmosphere, allowing the court proceedings to continue without further interruptions.
High-stakes legal battle
Bello, who was earlier detained, faces allegations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case involving the laundering of over N80 billion($47.37 million). The charges also implicate three of his nephews — Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu — in what prosecutors describe as a large-scale financial crime scheme.
The EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April 2024, marking a significant moment in the commission’s efforts to crack down on corruption among high-ranking political figures.
On Wednesday, the Federal Government’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro, presented the case for the prosecution. Meanwhile, Joseph Dauda, SAN, represented Bello and his co-defendants, arguing their position against the charges.
Restoring Courtroom Order
Bello’s ability to de-escalate the courtroom chaos underscores his influence and control over his supporters, even amid legal scrutiny. His actions not only facilitated the continuation of the legal process but also underscored the importance of adhering to court rules during high-profile cases.
As proceedings resume, the spotlight remains on the former governor and the unfolding trial, which has captured national attention for its implications in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
