The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Federal High Court in Abuja has been postponed after his lawyers failed to appear in court. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought Bello to face a 19-count charge of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Phinero requested that the charges be read to the defendant and his plea be taken. However, Bello, addressing the court himself, explained to Justice Emeka Nwite that he had been informed of the arraignment only late on November 28, which prevented him from notifying his legal team in time.
Justice Nwite, in his ruling, stressed the importance of having legal representation to ensure a fair trial. He noted that Bello’s right to a fair hearing could not be waived and ordered that his counsel be given notice. The judge adjourned the case to December 13 for a hearing on the potential abridgement of time and a possible arraignment.
In the meantime, Bello was remanded in the EFCC’s custody. This delay comes just two days after another arraignment before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where Bello faced a separate 16-count charge.
