The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to October 30, 2024, following his appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought the case against Bello, accusing him of misappropriating N80.2 billion in public funds.
According to The PUNCH, Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the session, granted the adjournment after Bello’s legal team informed the court of the pending appeal at the Supreme Court.
The appeal challenges a Court of Appeal decision from August 28, which ordered Bello to appear for arraignment. Bello’s defense counsel, A.M. Adoyi, argued that proceeding with the arraignment could undermine the appeal.
“The most appropriate course of action is to await the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal to avoid rendering it null or preempting the outcome,” Adoyi stated.
In response, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro accused Bello’s defense team of abusing court processes. He urged the court to sanction Adoyi, accusing him of turning the legal proceedings into “a place of entertainment.”
“The defendant and his legal team have continuously disrespected the court. This is the fourth time the court has adjourned for arraignment, and the defendant still refuses to appear. This court is not a vaudeville,” Pinheiro said.
Pineiro also called for disciplinary action against the defense counsel for disregarding court orders, stating that despite the Court of Appeal ruling in favor of the EFCC’s mode of service, Bello’s team continued to file new applications to delay proceedings.
Adoyi defended his actions, reiterating that the issue of Bello’s arraignment was now before the Supreme Court, and further steps should await its ruling. “In the interest of justice, we should allow the Supreme Court to decide on the matter before proceeding,” Adoyi said.
Justice Nwite, after hearing both sides, stated that he would need time to rule on the matter and adjourned the case to October 30 for both ruling and arraignment.
Bello faces 19 counts of money laundering and misappropriation. The EFCC alleges that the former governor attempted to avoid interrogation by arriving at their office accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has immunity.
Pinheiro argued that Bello’s appearance with Ododo and his security detail was an attempt to obstruct his arrest, stating, “Arraignment is not done in the EFCC car park, and there is no court order stating that the governor should come with him.”
Despite these claims, the defense insists that Bello has complied with the legal process and should not be arraigned until the Supreme Court rules on his appeal.
