Court Postpones Arraignment Of Yahaya Bello in N110bn Fraud Case To November 27
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until November 27, 2024. This follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s filing of a new 16-count charge against Bello, which includes allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy totaling N110.4 billion. Bello is charged alongside two co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
At the hearing on Thursday, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro requested an adjournment, noting that the 30-day summons period issued by the court in October was still active, giving Bello more time to respond. Agoro sought the court’s permission to extend the period for Bello’s appearance and requested authorization to post a hearing notice at his last known address.
The EFCC’s application follows Justice Anenih’s previous order for a public summons to ensure Bello’s awareness of the charges. This summons was mandated to be published in a widely circulated newspaper and posted both at Bello’s last known address and on court premises.
Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. Both defense attorneys, Aliyu Saiki (SAN) and ZE Abass, supported the adjournment, with all parties agreeing to reconvene on November 27.
After considering the submissions, Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s request, approving the posting of the hearing notice at Bello’s residence. “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant, the issuance of a hearing notice, and the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted,” she stated, formally adjourning the arraignment until November 27.
