The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, October 24, 2024, requested an adjournment of the hearing in its fresh charges against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two other defendants, to November 14, 2024.
Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the EFCC at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, noted that the court had previously issued a Public Summons against the first defendant, Yahaya Bello, directing that the charge be published and pasted. However, Justice Maryann Anenih clarified that she did not order the charge to be pasted but only the summons.
“I expect the 1st defendant to be in court on November 14,” Oyedepo stated, referencing the 30-day duration of the summons. He sought an adjournment for the arraignment of the three defendants, which includes Umar Oricha as the second defendant and Abdulsalami Hudu as the third.
Joseph Daudu, SAN, counsel for the second defendant, objected to the adjournment request, stating, “The matter is for arraignment, and we are ready. The defendants are all independent and should be treated as such.” He expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of using one defendant as a “human shield” for the proceedings of another.
A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing the third defendant, aligned with Daudu and requested that the court consider his client’s application for bail. However, Oyedepo responded that the bail application could not be entertained because the charges were joint, involving counts of conspiracy.
“There’s an application for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of the second defendant that cannot be taken orally,” Oyedepo added.
Daudu countered, asserting that the situation violated principles of fair hearing. “Keeping them for 10 years will have no impact,” he argued. “They have enjoyed administrative bail with the EFCC before, so it wouldn’t hurt their pride if they were granted bail now.”
While the judge declined the oral bail request, she advised the defendants to submit formal written applications. The court subsequently adjourned the case to November 14 and 20 for the response of the first defendant to the summons and/or arraignment.
