The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested an adjournment in its case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, explaining that the 30-day period for the previously issued summons is still active. The commission has granted administrative bail to his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, and asked the court to extend the time for Bello to appear.
At the hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, EFCC Counsel Jamiu Agoro noted that the court’s summons from October 3 had not yet expired. "We believe it is premature to proceed while the 30-day window is still open. We've agreed to reconvene on November 27, 2024, my lord," he stated.
Agoro also mentioned that the initial date of November 20 was unsuitable for the prosecution team. Counsel for the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed that his client had received administrative bail from the EFCC and had no objections to the adjournment. ZE Abass, representing the third defendant, also agreed to the adjournment.
The prosecution further requested permission to serve notice of hearing at the first defendant’s last known address.
After considering all submissions, Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s request for adjournment and approved the hearing notice. "I have reviewed the application for adjournment and issuance of hearing notice, and I grant it," she stated, rescheduling the case for arraignment on November 27.
Bello, alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a fresh 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.
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