EFCC deploys bomb detectors to Federal High Court ahead Yahaya Bello trial

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deployed bomb detectors to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ahead of the resumption of the trial for former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who faces allegations of money laundering.

The bomb detectors, accompanied by armed EFCC operatives, prevented anyone—including court staff—from entering the courtroom until a thorough search for potential explosive devices was completed.

Our correspondent, who arrived early at the court, observed that the search took approximately 30 minutes before the courtroom was opened to lawyers and the press.

Anyone without a direct role in the proceedings was denied access to the courtroom.

The security operatives arrived at the court premises as early as 7:30 a.m. in various vehicles and swiftly took control of the court complex’s security.

At the entrance to Court 8, where the trial was scheduled to take place, lawyers representing both the federal government and the former governor were asked to wait patiently while routine security checks were conducted.

Once the search was completed, the courtroom was opened only to those directly involved in the case.

By the time of the report, Yahaya Bello, dressed in his customary white babanriga and matching multicolored cap, had entered the courtroom, awaiting the start of proceedings.

The reason behind the EFCC’s actions could not be immediately determined, but reliable sources suggested it was part of a coordinated security effort to prevent any disruption by potential troublemakers at the court.

It is worth noting that on Friday, December 13, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Bello bail in the amount of N500 million, with two sureties of equal value. Since then, he has been attending trial from his residence.

Bello is facing charges related to an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme but has pleaded not guilty to all accusations.

He is represented by Joseph Daudu, SAN, while the EFCC’s legal team is led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, before Justice Emeka Nwite.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.