By Abigail Philip David
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to November 27, 2024. The adjournment follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recent 16-count charge against Bello and two co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, over allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy involving N110.4 billion.
At Thursday’s hearing, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro requested more time, explaining that the court’s October 3 summons for Bello’s appearance was still within a 30-day active period. The court had previously issued a public summons for Bello, requiring the notice to be posted at his last known address and on prominent locations in the court.
Agoro also sought approval to post a hearing notice at Bello’s address, stating, “I will humbly pray, Your Lordship, for an extension of time for the 1st defendant to be present in court. We believe it would not be appropriate to proceed while the 30-day period is still active.”
Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. Counsel for both defendants voiced no objections to the adjournment. An agreement was reached with the defense team to reconvene on November 27, as the previously scheduled date of November 20 was found to be inconvenient.
Justice Anenih approved the EFCC’s requests for both the adjournment and the posting of the hearing notice at Bello’s address. In her ruling, she stated, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant, the issuance of a hearing notice, and the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted.” The arraignment is now set for November 27.
