The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was disrupted on Wednesday morning due to unrest in the courtroom.
Justice Maryann Anenih, who was set to oversee the plea of the former governor and two others, abruptly left the courtroom in frustration.
Cyber Reporters recalls that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had arraigned Bello at the Federal Capital Territory High Court over alleged fraud.
However, the court sitting was marred by disruptions, leading to the judge’s departure. Justice Anenih declared that she would not return until order was restored in the courtroom.
Her exit created a sense of uncertainty, but Bello’s swift intervention helped to alleviate the tension.
The former governor, who had been seated at the front, quickly rose and approached the restless crowd.
He instructed his supporters and followers to vacate their seats and exit the courtroom peacefully.
It was gathered that Bello’s intervention proved effective, as his supporters left the courtroom one by one without any opposition.
To maintain order, the former governor positioned himself at the entrance of the courtroom, ensuring that none of his followers disregarded the court’s directive.
All of Bello’s aides and supporters complied with his guidance and exited the court in an orderly manner. The scene outside the courtroom remained calm, with no reports of violence or unrest.
Kemi Pinheiro SAN represents the federal government in the arraignment, while Joseph Bodunde Dauda SAN leads Bello’s legal team.
The former governor faces 16 charges, and the trial is expected to continue once order is restored in the courtroom.
