The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Federal High Court in Abuja has been postponed due to the absence of his legal representatives.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought Bello before the court on a 19-count charge of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Phinero moved an application for the charges to be read to the defendant and for his plea to be taken.
Bello, addressing the court himself, explained to Justice Emeka Nwite that he was only notified of the arraignment late on November 28, preventing him from informing his lawyers in time.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite stated that it would be in the interest of justice for Bello’s legal counsel to be present.
He emphasized that a warrant for arrest could not override the principles of fair hearing, directing that Bello’s counsel be notified.
Justice Nwite then adjourned the case to December 13 for a hearing on the possible abridgement of time and the potential arraignment, while also ordering that Bello be remanded in EFCC custody.
The latest arraignment is coming two days after Bello was arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on a 16-count charge.