Abdulwahab Mohammed, lead counsel to Yahaya Bello, former Kogi governor, has asked a federal high court in Abuja to give him four weeks to search for his client.

Mohammed added that the ex-governor’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Addressing the court shortly after a ruling which insisted on the arrest of his client, Mohammed said Bello has deep concerns about his safety.

“My lord, this has to do with his right to life. If someone has a genuine concern about his life, it ought to be considered,” the counsel submitted.

“At this stage, we don’t know where the defendant is. Therefore, subject to the convenience of this court, we will be asking for a reasonable time.

“My client does not have any problem answering to this charge. We ask for a reasonable time to enable us to access him.

“My lord, we will ask for four weeks.”

Mohammed also prayed the court to stay further proceedings in the criminal charge.

However, Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, refused to stay the proceedings.

“I am shocked to my bone marrow that despite the ruling, the senior lawyer made this application,” Nwite said.

“Notwithstanding this flagrant abuse of court process, in view of section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, this court shall not stay proceedings in this charge.”

Addressing the senior lawyer, the judge said: “You, as a counsel ought to advise him correctly. Is he the only former governor that has been invited or charged by the EFCC?”

“How many people have been killed by the EFCC? This is a matter that has attracted the attention of the whole world,” the judge stated.

“If he reports himself and anything untoward happens to him, the EFCC will be held accountable.

“The law is very clear that an accused is presumed innocent. This is merely a charge, an allegation that has not been proved.

“It is for you to advise him properly. Bring him here and prepare yourself. This is only an allegation that has not been proved.”

In his submission, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC, said his client, as a law abiding organisation, would not take any illegal action against the defendant.

He noted that the agency earlier undertook not to execute the arrest warrant should the defendant voluntarily submit himself for trial.

Turning to the defence lawyer, Oyedepo said: “The EFCC will not kill your client. We have never killed anyone before.”

“But my lord, Adoke collapsed in their custody,” Bello’s lawyer retorted light-heartedly.

Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter till June 13 for arraignment.

The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.

Bandits have reportedly attacked the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) Osara in Kogi state.

The bandits, it was gathered, invaded the university around 9pm on Thursday.

The incident occurred while students were reading in classrooms for their forthcoming examinations.

A student who pleaded anonymity, said that she was in ‘Class LR5’ with some other students for tutorials, when they heard a gunshot.

The student said they were shocked to hear the first boom of a gun, with several gunshots following in quick succession.

“We started scampering for safety and it appeared that the gunshots were coming from class LR3, where some students were also reading,” she said.

“I did not know where to run to. When I peeped through the window, I saw our security guard returning fire.”

The source disclosed that some students who managed to escape, said the bandits were shooting at them as they fled the scene.

“This morning, we cannot find some of our course mates. Their phone lines are not reachable. We even saw someone’s phone on the floor. We don’t know the number of students that have been kidnapped,” the student said.

The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, said it has apprehended personnel for illegal possession of ammunition and explosives during a routine search operation by the Military Police K9 Team, at the Borno Express Terminal in Maiduguri, Borno State.

A statement by Major Gen Onyema Nwacbukwu, Director of Army Public Relations said, “The soldier, Lance Corporal Mubarak Yakubu was found in possession of 756 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and four 36 hand grenades, ingeniously concealed within a small bag of rice”.

“This arrest underscores the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of illegal activity or contravention of military regulations by its personnel.

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the soldier had been de-inducted from active theatre operations in March 2024 and was undergoing de-induction training at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

“The soldier was on a welfare pass from Jaji to Kaduna and Adamawa from April 30, 2024, to May 13, 2024, when the arrest took place.

“The NA wishes to assure the public that it will continue to act decisively to maintain discipline within its ranks and ensure the security of all Nigerians.

“The soldier in question is currently in custody and a thorough investigation has commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding this incident and to apply the appropriate disciplinary measures.

“This proactive measure by the Military Police K9 Team reflects Nigerian Army’s relentless vigilance and its proactive approach to enforcing compliance with military laws and regulations.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to its role as a professional military organization dedicated to the service of our nation and the protection of its citizenry.”