The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until November 27, 2024.
Bello faces a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to commit an offense totaling N110.4 billion.
Bello, along with co-defendants Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is accused of misappropriating funds. The EFCC counsel, Jamiu Agoro, requested an adjournment to allow Bello to appear in court, as the 30-day window for the summons had not expired.
Agoro stated, “I will humbly pray to your lordship for the extension of time for the first defendant who is supposed to appear before your lordship to be in court. We feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while the 30 days is still running.”
Oricha and Hudu were granted administrative bail by the EFCC. Their counsel, Aliyu Saiki (SAN) and Z. E. Abass, did not object to the adjournment and requested that their clients continue to enjoy the administrative bail.
Justice Maryann Anenih granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment and allowed the request to paste a hearing notice at Bello’s residence. She said, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the second and third defendants. The application is granted.” The case is now adjourned until November 27 for arraignment. Bello also faces an 18-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
