The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested an adjournment in the case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, explaining that the 30-day window for the previously issued summons is still in effect.
The EFCC has granted administrative bail to Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, and has asked the court for more time for Bello to appear.
During the resumed hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, EFCC Counsel Jamiu Agoro pointed out that the court’s order from October 3rd had not yet expired.
“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 the 27th day of November, 2024, my lord,” he told the court.
He also mentioned that the previously set date of November 20th was not convenient for the prosecution counsels.
Counsel to the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail by the prosecution and had no objection to the adjournment request. The third defendant’s counsel, ZE Abass, concurred.
The prosecution counsel also requested the court to allow the notice of hearing to be pasted on the last known address of the first defendant.
After hearing from all counsels, the judge granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment and the issuance of the hearing notice.
“I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the second and third defendants. The application is granted,” she said.
Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the case to November 27th for arraignment.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are facing prosecution as the 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a new 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.