The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested an adjournment of the hearing against the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others until November 14, 2024.
The request was made during a session at the FCT High Court, where complexities arose regarding the arraignment process.
Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the EFCC, explained that the adjournment was necessary to ensure the presence of Yahaya Bello, who had been previously summoned through public notice.
Oyedepo clarified the situation around the summons and the pasting of charges, following Justice Maryann E. Anenih’s interjection that only the summons were ordered to be publicized.
The legal proceedings became contentious as JB Daudu, SAN, who represented the second defendant, objected to the EFCC’s request for adjournment.
Daudu argued that all defendants should be treated independently and criticized the EFCC’s approach, equating it to using one defendant as a “human shield.”
He expressed readiness for arraignment and opposed the unnecessary delays affecting his client.
A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing the third defendant, aligned with Daudu’s stance and sought to move an application for bail.
However, Oyedepo countered that since the charges involved allegations of conspiracy, a joint arraignment was necessary, making individual bail applications premature.
Despite the heated exchanges and legal arguments, Justice Anenih decided against the immediate consideration of bail, directing that formal applications should be submitted in writing.
The judge then set the dates of November 14th and 20th for the response to the summons and potential arraignment of the defendants.
