N110bn fraud case: Court adjourns Yahaya Bello’s arraignment till Nov 27

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to November 27, 2024, following new 16-count charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello, along with Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing charges related to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy involving N110.4 billion. During the session, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro requested a delay to ensure Bello’s presence, noting that the 30-day court-issued summons, starting from October 3, was still valid.

Previously, the court ordered a public summons for Bello’s appearance, to be published in a widely read newspaper and displayed at his last known address and around the court premises. Agoro also requested an extension and permission to post a hearing notice at Bello’s last known address, emphasizing that proceeding before the expiration of the summons would be inappropriate.

Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have received administrative bail from the EFCC. Aliyu Saiki, SAN, representing the 2nd defendant, confirmed the bail and supported the adjournment. ZE Abass, counsel for the 3rd defendant, also agreed.

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The EFCC prosecutor mentioned that both sides had agreed to reconvene on November 27, as November 20 was not suitable. Justice Anenih approved the adjournment and the posting of the hearing notice, stating, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant, the issuance of a hearing notice, and the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted.”