₦80bn Fraud Allegations: Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment Adjourned to June 27

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in an alleged money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The adjournment, agreed upon by both parties’ lawyers, shifts the proceedings to June 27, 2024.

Originally scheduled for today, June 13, 2024, the arraignment was deferred after the EFCC’s legal team indicated inconvenience with the date, according to Adeola Adedipe, counsel to Bello.

He disclosed that an agreement was reached among all parties that June 27 would be more suitable for the arraignment.

Speaking in court, Adedipe expressed surprise over what he perceived as a communication breakdown within the EFCC’s prosecution team, led by Kemi Phinhero and represented in court by Rotimi Oyedepo.

Oyedepo, however, stated that he was unaware of any off-court meetings or the decision to adjourn Bello’s arraignment.

In response, Justice Emeka Nwite accepted the lawyers’ undertaking that Bello would appear in court on the new date, despite the unconventional manner in which the adjournment was agreed upon.

The judge emphasized the importance of adhering to judicial undertakings.

Yahaya Bello served as Kogi State Governor from January 27, 2016, until January 27, 2024, when he handed over to his successor, Usman Ododo, both of whom are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello on April 17, 2024, at his Abuja residence was thwarted when Usman Ododo reportedly intervened and removed Bello from the scene.

Subsequently, the EFCC declared Bello wanted, warning against obstruction of its operations, a stance supported by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who urged Bello to surrender himself.