The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday requested an adjournment of the hearing in its fresh case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two others to November 14, 2024.
During the proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, noted that a Public Summons had been issued at the previous hearing, directing that the summons be published and that the charge be posted.
However, Justice Maryann E. Anenih interrupted, clarifying that she had only ordered the summons to be published, not the charge.
Oyedepo stated that the first defendant, Yahaya Bello, was expected to appear in court on November 14, in line with the 30-day window provided by the summons. As a result, he requested the adjournment to that date for the arraignment of the three defendants.
J.B. Daudu, SAN, representing the second defendant, objected to the adjournment, arguing that the case was set for arraignment and that his client was ready to proceed. He emphasized that the defendants were independent parties and should be treated as such.
“You cannot use someone as a human shield when they are not in captivity. I don’t support this kind of practice,” Daudu stated.
A.M. Aliyu, SAN, who represented the third defendant, supported Daudu’s position. He further requested that the court hear his client’s bail application as an alternative.
Oyedepo opposed this, asserting that the bail application could not be addressed because the charge involved all three defendants, including counts of conspiracy. He reiterated the need for an adjournment to November 14 for the arraignment.
Additionally, Oyedepo informed the court of a pending application regarding the enforcement of the second defendant’s fundamental rights. He argued that the oral application for bail could not be entertained.
In response, Daudu, SAN, criticized the EFCC’s approach, claiming it violated the principle of fair hearing.
“His argument may be persuasive, but it contradicts the law. I don’t understand this practice where all must appear before arraignment. This undermines fair hearing. The defendants have previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, so granting bail again would not harm their case,” Daudu argued.
He also requested a date to hear the fundamental rights application for his client.
Though the judge rejected the oral bail application, she advised the defendants to submit formal written applications. The court then adjourned the case to November 14 and 20, for the first defendant’s response to the summons and/or the arraignment.
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