The immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is to be arraigned on November 27, 2024, sequel to an order by Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday,
Bello, and two others – Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are facing prosecution bordering on criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to commit an offence to the tune of N110.4bn.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has admitted the co-defendants in an alleged money laundering charge filed against the immediate-past Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to administrative bail.
EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, informed Justice Anenih of an Abuja High Court on Thursday upon resumed hearing in the charge.
Agoro also sought adjournment in the fresh case the EFCC instituted against the ex-governor, saying the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued. running.
The EFCC, however, said it admitted Bello ‘s alleged co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to bail and prayed the court for extension of time for Bello to appear.
At the resumed hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih, counsel for EFCC, Jamiu Agoro, said the order of the court, given on Oct 3 had not elapsed.
“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running.
” So we have discussed and agreed to come back on Nov 27,” he told the court.
He also noted that the Nov 20 date earlier given was not convenient for the Prosecution counsel.
Counsel to the 2nd defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail by the Prosecution.
He said he had no objection to the application for adjournment.
The 3rd defendant’s counsel, ZE Abass, concurred also.
The prosecution counsel also asked the court to grant an application to paste the notice of hearing on the last known address of the former governor.
After listening to all counsel, the judge granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment, including the hearing notice.
“I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted,” she said.
Justice Anenih thereby adjourned the case until November 27.
