The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until October 30, 2024, for a ruling. The case is being pursued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The adjournment follows Bello’s move to appeal to the Supreme Court, aiming to overturn an arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Bello’s defense counsel, A.M. Adoyi, informed the court that the matter concerning his arraignment is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court. He noted that the Court of Appeal’s ruling on August 28, which required Bello to appear for arraignment, has been challenged at the apex court.
Adoyi highlighted the appeal numbers, SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024, and argued that it would be prudent to await the Supreme Court’s decision before proceeding with the arraignment. He emphasized that acting prematurely could undermine the appeal.
In contrast, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro accused Bello and his legal team of turning the court into a forum for entertainment, describing their applications as a gross abuse of court. He urged the trial judge to sanction Adoyi for contempt and irresponsibility, stressing that the court should not be treated lightly.
Pinheiro argued that the court has adjourned multiple times for Bello to appear for arraignment, yet he has failed to comply. He criticized the defense for employing deceptive tactics to avoid the proceedings and highlighted a recent dismissal by the Court of Appeal, which upheld the validity of the service of charges against Bello.
In response, Adoyi maintained that the current matter, specifically the arraignment, is contingent upon the Supreme Court’s ruling. He urged the court to prioritize justice and delay the arraignment until after the Supreme Court’s decision.
Justice Emeka Nwite acknowledged the submissions made by both counsels and decided to adjourn the matter until October 30 for a ruling on the appeal and arraignment.
Bello faces a total of 19 counts related to money laundering and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion. Reports indicate that he recently submitted himself to the EFCC but was not interrogated or detained, as EFCC operatives allegedly sought to arrest him during an incident at the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja. Pinheiro argued that Bello’s invitation to the EFCC was solely for him and not meant to include any additional persons, such as the current governor, who accompanied him.