The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday postponed the arraignment of the former governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello in an N80.2 billion fraud case due to the absence of his legal team.
Bello, who was set to plead to a 19-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), appeared in court but stated that his lawyers were unaware of the proceedings.
The case, initially adjourned to January 21, 2025, had been unexpectedly rescheduled.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro requested that the arraignment proceed, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which prioritise the defendant’s physical presence over legal representation for arraignment.
Bello told the court that he was informed about the hearing late on Thursday and that his legal team had likely not been notified of the schedule change.
Justice Emeka Nwite declined to compel Bello to take his plea without his lawyers present, emphasising the principle of fair hearing.
“It would have been different if the defendant had no lawyer representing him,” Justice Nwite stated.
He ordered that hearing notices be served on Bello’s lawyers and deferred further proceedings to December 13, 2024.
- The EFCC accuses Bello of money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds during his tenure as governor.
- A bench warrant for Bello’s arrest was issued in April after he failed to appear in court multiple times. Attempts to arrest him at his Abuja residence were allegedly obstructed by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo. Bello eventually surrendered to the EFCC last Tuesday and was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges before an FCT High Court on Wednesday.
Alongside Bello, the EFCC plans to arraign his nephew Ali Bello and also Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu, accusing them of complicity in the alleged fraud.
