By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing in the alleged money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to January 21, 2025.
During the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Kemi Pinheiro informed the court that two witnesses were present. He sought a formal plea of not guilty to be entered on Bello’s behalf, citing compliance with Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Pinheiro emphasized that Bello’s right to plead could be waived and urged the court to consider the defendant’s absence as a waiver of this right.
However, Bello’s counsel, Michael Adoyi, objected, arguing that the EFCC’s application violated a standing court order. He asserted that no application could proceed without the defendant being arraigned, stating, “The court cannot demonstrate any helplessness in any proceeding.”
Adoyi cited previous Supreme Court rulings to support his argument, asserting that the prosecution’s request was an inappropriate attempt to involve the court in the prosecution’s responsibilities. He maintained that the provisions of the ACJA, 2015 did not negate the necessity for the defendant’s physical presence during arraignment.
In response, EFCC counsel urged the court to dismiss Adoyi’s objections and proceed with entering a not guilty plea for Bello.
Justice Nwite indicated that a ruling might not be possible before the end of the year and subsequently adjourned the matter until January 21, 2025, for the ruling on the EFCC’s application and possible arraignment of the defendant.
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Nwite varied a previous order, allowing a name exclusion from facing the legal privilege disciplinary committee. This followed an application by a legal representative of Bello, who sought to withdraw from the case, citing ongoing appeals at the Supreme Court. Justice Nwite dismissed this application, affirming that the order for Bello to appear in court remains in effect.
