LAGOS, Oct 24 (PortharcourtHQ) – The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accused of fraud alongside two others, has been adjourned until November 14, 2024, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought additional time for arraignment. Bello, who faces charges of conspiracy and financial misconduct, was issued a public summons by the court, which required it to be published but not physically pasted, as clarified by the presiding judge, Justice Maryann Anenih, during the hearing.
Bello faces charges of conspiracy and financial misconduct!
At the session, EFCC’s counsel Rotimi Oyedepo requested the adjournment, noting that Bello had not yet appeared in court but was expected to be present on November 14 due to the 30-day summons. Oyedepo insisted on postponing the arraignment of all three defendants, stating that the charges involved conspiracy, making it necessary for all accused parties to be present together.
However, Joseph Daudu, senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel for the second defendant, opposed the delay. He argued that his client was prepared for arraignment and that each defendant should be treated independently. “You cannot use someone as a human shield when they are not in hostage,” Daudu contended, describing the delay as unfair. He further pressed for the court to address his client’s bail application, but Oyedepo resisted, citing the joint nature of the charges.
Daudu also criticized the court’s approach, arguing that it violated the principle of fair hearing. He expressed frustration with the continuous delay and emphasized that his client had already been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
Justice Anenih refused the oral application for bail but instructed the defendants’ legal teams to formally submit their applications in writing. She then set November 14 for the response to the summons and November 20 for potential arraignment.
The EFCC has accused Bello and the other defendants of involvement in a multi-billion naira fraud scheme during his tenure as governor. The case, which has garnered widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, is part of the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on corruption in Nigeria’s political landscape.
EFCC remains steadfast in its commitment to holding individuals accountable for corruption!
The trial is expected to continue amid growing scrutiny of how the Nigerian justice system handles politically exposed individuals. With speculation surrounding the eventual outcome, the upcoming hearings will likely draw significant public and media interest. As the November dates approach, the legal teams for both the prosecution and defense are preparing for an intense courtroom battle.
This case adds to a long list of high-profile corruption trials in Nigeria, where former politicians and public officials often face charges related to their time in office. Many critics argue that such cases, while important, are often bogged down by delays and procedural challenges, preventing swift justice. However, the EFCC remains steadfast in its commitment to holding individuals accountable for corruption, and the November hearings will be pivotal in determining how this case progresses.
Finally! It’s good to see progress on this. Nigeria has been lagging behind for too long.