On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until October 30, 2024. The case, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was postponed as Bello seeks to challenge the arrest warrant issued against him by the trial court on April 17, 2024.
Bello’s defense counsel, A.M. Adoyi, informed the court that they had appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the August 28 ruling by the Court of Appeal, which had directed Bello to appear for arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite. Adoyi pointed out that the appeal had already been registered at the Supreme Court, stressing that the court should await the apex court’s decision before proceeding with the arraignment.
“The appeal numbers are SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024,” Adoyi stated. He argued that proceeding with the arraignment could undermine the appeal.
However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, accused Bello and his legal team of abusing the court process and using delay tactics. He urged the court to exercise its authority and impose sanctions on Adoyi for contempt of court.
“This court has adjourned four times for the defendant to appear for arraignment,” Pinheiro said. He added that the Court of Appeal had already dismissed Bello’s objections regarding the service of charges, ruling that the service was proper and ordering Bello to present himself for arraignment.
Pinheiro further criticized the defense’s conduct, stating that despite the appeal court’s decision, Bello’s legal team continued to file applications in defiance of court orders. He requested that the court hold Adoyi in contempt and refer him to the legal practitioners disciplinary committee for appropriate sanctions.
In response, Adoyi reiterated that the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter should be awaited in the interest of justice.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite decided to adjourn the case to October 30, 2024, for a ruling and possible arraignment.
Bello is facing 19 counts of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N80.2 billion. Despite being summoned by the EFCC last week, reports indicate that Bello arrived at the commission’s office with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. However, the EFCC reportedly refused to interrogate or detain him due to his high-profile accompaniment. Later, EFCC operatives allegedly attempted to arrest Bello at the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja.
Pinheiro emphasized that the court’s order specified Bello should appear alone for his arraignment, without security personnel or any individual with immunity, such as the sitting governor.
