The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to October 31, 2024.
Justice Emeka Nwite made the adjournment to allow the court to rule on Bello’s request for a suspension of the case due to his ongoing appeal before the Supreme Court concerning his arraignment.
Bello’s legal team has repeatedly contested his arraignment, citing a Kogi State High Court order that bars the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating or arresting him over alleged money laundering charges.
The case has faced multiple delays due to the defendant’s legal challenges to the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Bello’s lawyer, A.M. Adoyi, informed the court that the issue of arraignment is currently pending at the Supreme Court, with appeals numbered SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024.
He urged the court to halt proceedings until the Supreme Court delivers a ruling on the appeal. “The most appropriate thing to do is to await the decision of the Supreme Court before proceeding with the arraignment,” Adoyi stated.
In response, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) accused Bello’s legal team of using the court system for delay tactics. Pinheiro noted that the Court of Appeal had already dismissed a previous appeal by the defendant, which challenged the mode of service of the charges. He added, “The Court of Appeal ruled that the service was proper, yet they continue to take steps to delay this trial.”
Pinheiro also recalled that despite the former governor submitting himself to the EFCC last week, the anti-graft agency refused to detain or interrogate him.
He urged the court to assert its authority, stating, “I will now urge your lordship to demonstrate the audacity of coercive power on him.”
Adoyi, however, reiterated that the Supreme Court appeal concerns the core issue of the arraignment and urged the court to wait for the higher court’s decision in the interest of justice.
After hearing the submissions from both parties, Justice Nwite announced that he would deliver a ruling on the issues raised and adjourned the case to October 31 for further consideration and possible arraignment.
