Kehinde Fajobi
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to November 14, 2024, following fresh 16-count charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The adjournment came after the EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), requested more time, stating that the summons for Bello’s appearance had been issued but was yet to be enforced.
He explained, “The court had issued a public summons against the 1st defendant, directing that the same be published, and we expect him in court on November 14.”
However, Justice Anenih clarified, “I did not ask that the charge be pasted, only the summons.”
Despite this, Oyedepo maintained that the adjournment was necessary.
JB Daudu (SAN), representing the second defendant, objected to the delay, arguing that his client had been held for over a month and should not be used as a “human shield” because of Bello’s absence. He urged the court to either proceed with the arraignment or discharge his client.
“My Lord, we are here for arraignment… You cannot be using somebody as a human shield when they are not hostage,” Daudu said.
A.M. Aliyu (SAN), counsel for the third defendant, echoed Daudu’s stance, adding, “In the alternative, my Lord, I have filed an application for bail which was duly served on the complainant.”
Oyedepo resisted the bail application, stating, “The charge is a joint charge, and there are counts of conspiracy in it,” insisting on a full arraignment when all defendants are present.
Daudu countered, accusing the prosecution of violating the defendants’ right to fair hearing.
He said, “Fundamental human right is not about freedom alone but fair hearing… They left their family for over a month now. We urge the court to release the two on bail… Keeping them will not have any impact on the case.”
Justice Anenih, after hearing the submissions, rejected the oral applications for bail, ruling, “The defendants are at liberty to make proper application for bail in this court; otherwise, the oral application made today is hereby refused.”
The court adjourned the arraignment and further hearings to November 14 and 20, 2024.