The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested an adjournment of the hearing involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants until November 14, 2024. This request was made during a session at the FCT High Court, where complications arose concerning the arraignment process.
Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the EFCC, stated that the adjournment is necessary to ensure Yahaya Bello’s presence, as he had been previously summoned via public notice. Oyedepo clarified issues surrounding the summons and the posting of charges after Justice Maryann E. Anenih noted that only the summons had been ordered for public notification.
Tensions flared during the proceedings, with JB Daudu, SAN, representing one of the co-defendants, opposing the EFCC’s request for adjournment. Daudu criticized the EFCC’s tactics, suggesting they were using one defendant as a “human shield,” and expressed readiness for the arraignment, emphasizing that delays were unjust for his client.
A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing the third defendant, supported Daudu’s position and sought to file a bail application. However, Oyedepo countered that, due to the nature of the charges involving conspiracy, a joint arraignment was necessary, making individual bail requests premature.
After heated exchanges, Justice Anenih ruled against considering bail at this time, instructing that formal applications be submitted in writing. The judge then scheduled November 14 and 20 for responses to the summons and the potential arraignment of the defendants.
