Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the arraignment of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello until November 27, 2024.
Bello faces a fresh set of 16 charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alongside two others, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The charges include criminal breach of trust and conspiracy involving ₦110.4 billion.
During Thursday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro requested an adjournment to allow time for Bello’s presence in court. He noted that the 30-day summons period, initially ordered by the court on October 3, had not yet expired. The public summons was issued after the EFCC reported difficulties serving Bello with the charges, which were filed on September 24.
Justice Anenih had previously ordered the EFCC to publish the summons in a widely circulated newspaper, as well as post copies at Bello’s last known address and in conspicuous locations at the court premises.
At Thursday’s hearing, Agoro also requested additional court approval to paste a hearing notice at Bello’s residence, located at No. 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
“We feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while the 30 days is still running,” Agoro explained. “My Lord, I also want to pray that in the event that your lordship is magnanimous to grant this request, the court approves the same to paste a hearing order at the last known address of the first defendant.”
Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. Counsel for the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), confirmed his client’s bail status and raised no objection to the adjournment request. The third defendant’s counsel, Z. E. Abass, agreed with Saiki’s stance, also requesting that their clients continue on administrative bail.
After discussing with the defense team, the prosecution and defense agreed on November 27, 2024, as the new hearing date. Agoro indicated that an earlier date, November 20, was inconvenient.
Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment, as well as the request to post a hearing notice at Bello’s residence. She announced, “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.”
The case is now scheduled for arraignment on November 27, 2024.
