Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned the arraignment of the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello till November 27, 2024.
Yahaya is on trial for the 16 new charges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought against him.
Bello and two others, Abdulsalami Hudu, and Shuabu Oricha, are prosecuted for conspiracy to conduct an offense worth N110.4 billion and criminal breach of trust.
At the reopened hearing, EFCC attorney Jamiu Agoro requested an adjournment so that Bello could appear in court for his arraignment because the court’s October 3 order had not yet expired.
The prosecution claimed that the court’s 30-day term for the previously issued summons was still open.
Recall that Bello was summoned to appear before the court in public to respond to the 16 fresh charges that were still outstanding against him.
Following the EFCC’s motion stating that it was unable to serve Bello with the charge filed on September 24, Justice Anenih issued the summons.
Additionally, she directed the EFCC to prominently display copies of the public summons on the court grounds and at Bello’s last known residence.
While Agoro prayed to the court for an extension of time for Bello to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment, he also craved the indulgence of the court to grant an order to paste a hearing notice at his residence.
Agoro said “I will humbly pray to your lordship for the extension of time for the first defendant who is supposed to appear before your lordship to be in court.
