The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday requested an adjournment in the ongoing case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, stating that the 30-day period for the court summons issued is still valid.
The EFCC granted administrative bail to Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, while seeking more time for the former governor’s appearance in court.
During the hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, before Justice Maryann Anenih, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro argued that proceeding before the 30-day window closes would be premature. “The court order issued on October 3 has not yet expired, so we believe it is best to wait. We have agreed to reconvene on November 27, 2024, my lord,” Agoro informed the court.
He further explained that the previously scheduled date of November 20 was inconvenient for the prosecution team.
Counsel for the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed the administrative bail granted by the EFCC and did not oppose the request for adjournment. The third defendant’s lawyer, ZE Abass, also expressed agreement.
The prosecution also sought the court’s approval to serve the hearing notice at the last known address of the first defendant.
Justice Anenih, after considering the submissions, approved the EFCC’s application for adjournment and the issuance of a hearing notice. “I have reviewed the request for adjournment and the statements from the second and third defendants. The request is granted,” she ruled.
The case has been rescheduled for November 27, when the arraignment of the defendants will take place.
Yahaya Bello, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a new 16-count charge filed by the EFCC, naming them as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.