The arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, on charges of fraud amounting to N110.4 billion, has been adjourned to November 27, 2024, by Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The decision came after a request for adjournment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allow Bello to be present in court.
Bello, along with two co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing trial on 16 fresh charges, including criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.
The prosecution alleges that the trio conspired to defraud the state to the tune of N110.4 billion.
At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro sought more time for Bello’s appearance, explaining that the 30-day window issued by the court for serving the summons had not yet expired.
Agoro requested the court’s permission to extend the time for Bello to appear, as well as to post a hearing notice at his last known address, located at No. 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
The court had earlier issued a public summons for Bello to appear after the EFCC claimed it was unable to serve the charge documents directly.
In compliance with Justice Anenih’s order, the EFCC had published the summons in a national newspaper and posted notices at Bello’s last known address and on the court premises.
Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
Their legal representatives, including Aliyu Saiki (SAN) for Oricha and Z.E. Abass for Hudu, confirmed the bail and expressed no objection to the adjournment request.
After hearing from all parties, Justice Anenih agreed to grant the adjournment and the EFCC’s request to post the hearing notice at Bello’s residence.
She set the new arraignment date for November 27, 2024, and noted that the 30-day period for the summons was still valid.
The trial will resume on the scheduled date for further proceedings.
