The embattled Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, missed his court appearance on the alleged fraud charges brought against him by the federal government.

This marks the sixth time Bello has failed to respond to court summons regarding the N82 billion alleged fraud charges.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain was expected to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, July 17, but he was not present in the courtroom or on the court premises.

Daily Post reports that his lawyers, Mohammed Aliyu and Adeola Adedipe, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), were present in compliance with the court’s order.

These two senior lawyers are expected to answer questions about their commitment to producing the former governor in court for arraignment.

Bello has requested the transfer of his trial for the alleged crime to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

Daily Post also reports that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrived at the court to witness today’s proceedings.

Additionally, a team from the EFCC's media department, led by Mr. Dele Oyewale, the Head of the media department, is also present in court.