The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has rescheduled the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to November 27, 2024. Justice Maryann Anenih granted the adjournment during Thursday’s proceedings following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, along with two co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a 16-count charge including allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy involving ₦110.4 billion. The EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, explained that the previous court order issued on October 3 for Bello’s appearance had not yet expired, and the 30-day window remained valid.
The court had earlier directed the EFCC to issue a public summons for Bello after the agency reported difficulties in serving him the charges filed on September 24. Justice Anenih ordered that the summons be published in a widely circulated newspaper and displayed at Bello’s last known address and other conspicuous locations within the court premises.
During the session, Agoro also requested the court’s permission to paste a hearing notice at Bello’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. He said, “We feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while the 30 days is still running.”
Bello’s co-defendants have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. Counsel for the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), confirmed this arrangement and expressed no objection to the adjournment request. The third defendant’s counsel, Z.E. Abass, also agreed with Saiki’s submission.
The prosecution informed the court that November 20, an earlier date proposed, was unsuitable for them, and all parties agreed to reconvene on November 27. Justice Anenih approved the adjournment and granted the EFCC’s request to serve the hearing notice.
