Judge Leaves Courtroom After Bello Pleads Not Guilty to N110bn Fraud Charges
The judge presiding over the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on a N110 billion corruption case abruptly left the courtroom on Monday due to disruption caused by a large crowd of his supporters.
According to The Cable, Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court walked out moments after Bello pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The disruption began when a horde of Bello’s supporters besieged the courtroom, leading to chaotic scenes that security operatives struggled to manage. Many journalists were locked out as tensions escalated.
Justice Anenih, visibly displeased with the commotion, announced she would not return to the bench until calm was restored.
In a bid to address the situation, Bello urged his supporters to leave the courtroom. The crowd eventually dispersed, allowing proceedings to continue without further disruptions.
