 requested an adjournment in the ongoing case against former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, citing that the 30-day window for the previously issued court summons is still active.){kind=link}
On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requested an adjournment in the ongoing case against former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, citing that the 30-day window for the previously issued court summons is still active.
While the EFCC admitted Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to administrative bail, it sought additional time for the first defendant (Bello) to appear in court.
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, before Justice Maryann Anenih, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro argued that the court’s directive from October 3 had not yet expired.
“Given that the 30 days have not lapsed, we believe it is inappropriate to proceed at this time. Therefore, we have agreed to reconvene on November 27, 2024, my lord,” Agoro stated.
He also mentioned that the initial hearing date of November 20 was inconvenient for the prosecution team.
Counsel for the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail and expressed no objection to the adjournment request.
Similarly, ZE Abass, representing the third defendant, supported the application.
The prosecution also requested permission to post the hearing notice at the last known address of the first defendant.
After hearing from all parties, Justice Anenih approved the EFCC’s request for an adjournment and the issuance of a hearing notice.
“I have reviewed the complainant’s application for adjournment and the submissions from the second and third defendants. The application is granted,” she ruled.
The case has now been adjourned to November 27 for the arraignment of the defendants.
Yahaya Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a fresh 16-count charge filed by the EFCC, where they are listed as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.