By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the arraignment of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, until November 14, following fresh 16-count charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The adjournment was granted after a request from the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Oyedepo informed the court that a public summons had been issued for the 1st defendant (Bello) and was expected to bring him before the court. He noted that the summons had a 30-day duration and requested the adjournment to November 14 for the arraignment of all three defendants. However, Justice Anenih clarified that she had only directed the issuance of the summons, not the pasting of charges.
Counsel for the 2nd defendant, JB Daudu (SAN), opposed the adjournment, arguing that the other defendants should not be held back due to Bello’s absence. He urged the court to either proceed with the arraignment or discharge the 2nd and 3rd defendants, who have been in custody for over a month.
“My Lord, we are here for arraignment. I don’t think the prosecution should use them as a shield,” Daudu argued, adding that keeping the other defendants in custody due to Bello’s absence was unfair.
Counsel for the 3rd defendant, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), aligned with Daudu’s position and requested the court to consider his client’s bail application, which had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
Oyedepo countered, stating that the charge was a joint one, involving counts of conspiracy, and that the arraignment could not proceed without all defendants present. He insisted that the case be adjourned until November 14.
Daudu emphasized that the prolonged detention of his client violated the principles of fair hearing, as they had been away from their families for over a month. He urged the court to grant bail, citing the defendants’ previous administrative bail granted by the EFCC.
Justice Anenih rejected the oral application for bail, stating that a formal application would need to be filed. “I have considered your application for bail; it is noted that, as rightly stated by the prosecution, the defendants are at liberty to make proper application for bail in this court. The oral application made today is hereby refused,” she ruled.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to November 14 and 20 for the arraignment of Yahaya Bello and further proceedings.
