The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Federal High Court in Abuja was postponed due to the absence of his legal team, who were unaware of the scheduled proceedings. Justice Emeka Nwite noted that the EFCC’s application to expedite the process needed to be served on Bello’s lawyers so they could respond. The EFCC had sought to arraign Bello without him present, citing Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Bello faces charges for allegedly conspiring to misappropriate over N80 billion in 2016, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. The hearing had already been adjourned to January 2025 for a ruling on this matter. Despite previous absences due to legal disputes, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro urged the court to proceed without Bello, asserting that his absence complied with legal provisions. However, Bello’s lawyer, Michael Adoyi, argued against this, citing a court order blocking new applications.
The judge ordered Bello’s remand in EFCC custody pending the December 13 hearing, while also setting a date for a bail ruling in a related case at the FCT High Court. Bello has been declared wanted, with the EFCC claiming the Kogi government has used immunity to protect him.
