The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday deployed bomb detectors to the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of the resumption of the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, over alleged money laundering.
The bomb detection team, accompanied by heavily armed EFCC operatives, restricted access to the courtroom, barring even court staff, until a thorough security sweep was conducted for possible explosive devices.
Our correspondent, who arrived early at the court, observed that the search lasted about 30 minutes before the courtroom was finally opened to lawyers and journalists. Individuals without direct involvement in the case were denied entry.
Security operatives arrived at the court premises as early as 7:30 a.m. in various official vehicles, swiftly taking over security from the main gate. At the entrance of Court 8, where the trial is being conducted, lawyers representing both the federal government and the former governor were asked to remain patient while routine security checks were completed.
Following the search, only those with official matters in the courtroom were granted access.
As of the time of this report, Yahaya Bello, dressed in his signature white babanriga and a multicolored cap, had entered the courtroom, awaiting the commencement of proceedings.
The reason for the heightened security measures was not immediately clear, it was gathered that this was part of a coordinated effort by security agencies to prevent any potential threats or disruptions within the court premises.
It will be recalled that on December 13, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties of equal standing. He has since been attending trial from his residence.
Bello is facing an alleged money laundering trial involving N80 billion but has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The defense team is led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, while the EFCC’s legal team is headed by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, before Justice Emeka Nwite.
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