The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the arraignment of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others until November 14, 2024.
According to The PUNCH, the court, presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih, will resume to hear fresh 16-count charges brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission including allegations of conspiracy and misappropriation of over N3 billion in public funds.
During Thursday’s session, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo SAN requested the adjournment, noting that the court had issued a public summons for Bello’s appearance and expected him to be in court on the next scheduled date.
He said, “We believe the 1st defendant will be present on November 14 for his arraignment.”
However, JB Daudu (SAN), counsel for the second defendant, objected to the adjournment, insisting that the prosecution was not ready to proceed.
Daudu argued that his client had already been in custody for over a month, saying, “We are here for arraignment, and it is unfair for the prosecution to use the absence of one individual as a reason to delay proceedings for others who are ready.”
Daudu further threatened to seek his client’s discharge if the prosecution did not proceed with the arraignment, adding, “You cannot use somebody as a human shield when they are not in hostage.”
A.M. Aliyu (SAN), counsel to the third defendant, supported Daudu’s objection and requested that the court consider his client’s bail application.
He noted that the application had been filed and served on the EFCC, stressing, “In the alternative, my Lord, we ask that you consider the bail application of the third defendant.”
Oyedepo countered, stating that the arraignment could not proceed as the charges involved conspiracy, which required all defendants to be present.
He argued that the bail applications should not be considered until the arraignment is completed.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Anenih declined the defendants’ oral applications for bail, directing them to file formal applications.
“I have considered your request, but as noted by the prosecution, the defendants are at liberty to submit a proper application for bail in this court. The oral application made today is hereby refused,” she ruled.
The case was adjourned to November 14 and 20 for Bello’s response to the summons and the arraignment of all defendants.
