The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought a postponement in the new trial of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, explaining that the 30-day timeframe for his summons is still valid.
During the latest hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro highlighted that the court’s summons, issued on October 3, was still in effect.
“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,” Agoro told Justice Maryann Anenih.
The EFCC had also granted administrative bail to Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, and requested an extension for Bello’s appearance.
Agoro added that the initially scheduled date of November 20 was unsuitable for the prosecution team.
Aliyu Saiki, SAN, counsel to the second defendant, confirmed his client’s administrative bail and voiced no objection to the requested adjournment, a stance echoed by ZE Abass, counsel for the third defendant.
The EFCC further requested permission to post the hearing notice on Bello’s last known address.
After hearing from all parties, Justice Anenih approved the adjournment and the issuance of the notice, stating, “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.”
Justice Anenih adjourned the case to November 27 for arraignment, with Bello, Oricha, and Hudu set to be tried as first, second, and third defendants, respectively, under a new 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.
