Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two other defendants until November 14. The delay follows the 16-count charges filed against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The adjournment was requested by EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who informed the court that a public summons had been issued for Bello to appear. Justice Anenih clarified that the court had only ordered the publication of the summons, not the charges.
Counsel for the 2nd defendant, JB Daudu (SAN), objected to the adjournment, arguing that his clients should not be penalised for Bello’s absence. He stated, “We are here for arraignment. If the prosecution isn’t ready, I will ask for their discharge. They have been in custody for over a month.”
In agreement, counsel for the 3rd defendant, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), requested the court to consider a bail application already filed for his client. However, Oyedepo countered that the charges included conspiracy, which necessitated that all defendants be arraigned together.
Justice Anenih rejected the oral applications for bail, instructing the defendants to submit formal bail applications. She noted that proper procedures must be followed and subsequently adjourned the case to November 14 and 20 for the arraignment and response to the summons issued to Bello.
