The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday requested an adjournment in the new case it filed against Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, citing the ongoing 30-day period for summons previously issued.
However, the EFCC granted administrative bail to Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, and asked the court for an extension of time for the first defendant to appear.
During the resumed hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal High Court, Abuja, EFCC Counsel, Jamiu Agoro, explained that the 30-day window for the court order issued on October 3 had not yet expired.
"In light of this, we believe it would be inappropriate to proceed while the 30-day period is still active. We have agreed to return on November 27, 2024," Agoro informed the court.
Agoro also mentioned that the previously scheduled date of November 20 was inconvenient for the prosecution team.
Counsel for the second defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed his client had been granted administrative bail and expressed no objection to the adjournment.
The third defendant’s counsel, ZE Abass, also agreed with the request.
The prosecution additionally sought permission from the court to post the hearing notice at the last known address of the first defendant.
After hearing all the submissions, Justice Anenih granted the EFCC's application for both the adjournment and the issuance of the hearing notice.
"I have considered the application for adjournment and the issuance of hearing notice, as well as the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted," she ruled.
The case was adjourned until November 27 for arraignment. Yahaya Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are facing a fresh 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.
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