The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requested the adjournment of a hearing in its charge against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and two others.
The new date for the hearing has been set for November 14, 2024.
At the resumed session, EFCC Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that public summons had been issued against Bello and directed to be published, as well as posted on relevant locations.
However, Justice Maryann Anenih clarified that she had only ordered the publication of the summons, not the charge.
Oyedepo explained that the 30-day summons period necessitated Bello’s appearance in court on November 14, and thus sought the adjournment until that date for the arraignment of all three defendants.
Joseph Daudu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), representing the second defendant, objected to the adjournment, stating that the defense was prepared for the arraignment.
He emphasized the independence of the defendants, arguing they should not be grouped together for procedural delays.
“You cannot be using somebody as a human shield when they are not in hostage.
I don’t like this practice,” Daudu remarked.
Counsel for the third defendant supported Daudu’s stance, requesting the court to consider his client’s bail application in the interim.
However, Oyedepo opposed the move, noting that the charges were joint and involved conspiracy counts, which required all defendants to be present.
Oyedepo further informed the court of an application concerning the fundamental rights of the second defendant, arguing that the oral application for bail could not be considered until the matter was properly addressed.
Daudu, however, argued that this approach violated the principle of fair hearing, criticizing the EFCC’s reliance on one defendant’s absence to delay proceedings.
“It is an affront to fair hearing because the privilege of fair hearing allows us to raise any issue.
Keeping them for 10 years will have no impact.
They have enjoyed administrative bail before with the EFCC, so it won’t hurt their pride if they give them,” he stated.
Justice Maryann Anenih denied the oral application for bail, advising the defense to file formal written applications.
She subsequently adjourned the case to November 14 and 20 for the response of the first defendant to the summons and potential arraignment.
