The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested an adjournment of the hearing in its latest charges against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants, moving the proceedings to November 14, 2024.
At the latest hearing, EFCC Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that a public summons had been issued for Bello, which needed to be published. However, Justice Maryann Anenih interjected, clarifying that only the summons should be published, not the charges themselves.
Counsel for the second defendant, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, objected to the adjournment, asserting that all defendants were ready for arraignment and should not be held up by one individual’s absence. He argued, “You cannot be using somebody as a human shield when they are not in hostage.”
Similarly, counsel for the third defendant aligned with Daudu, proposing that the court consider a bail application for his client. In response, Oyedepo contended that the nature of the charges, which include conspiracy, prevented the consideration of bail at this stage.
Despite Daudu’s insistence that delaying the hearing undermined the principles of fair hearing, Justice Anenih denied the oral bail request but advised the defendants to file formal written applications.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to November 14 and 20 for responses to the summons and potential arraignment.
