Alleged fraud: Yahaya Bello’s co-defendants admitted to bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday sought an adjournment in the new case it instituted against the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, noting that the 30-day window for the earlier issued summons was still ongoing.

The EFCC, however, granted administrative bail to his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, and requested an extension of time for the 1st defendant to appear.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro stated that the court’s order, issued on October 3rd, had not yet expired.

“In that regard, we feel it would not be appropriate to proceed while the 30 days are still running. We have therefore discussed and agreed to return on November 27, 2024, my lord,” he informed the court.

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He also mentioned that the previous date of November 20 was not convenient for the prosecution counsel.

Counsel for the 2nd defendant, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail by the prosecution and raised no objection to the adjournment request.

The 3rd defendant’s counsel, ZE Abass, agreed.

The prosecution counsel further requested permission to serve the notice of hearing by posting it at the last known address of the 1st defendant.

After hearing from all counsels, the judge approved the EFCC’s request for adjournment, including the notice of hearing.

“I have considered the complainant’s request for adjournment and issuance of hearing notice, as well as the submissions by the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted,” she stated.

Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the case to November 27 for arraignment.

The former governor, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is being prosecuted as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants respectively, in a new 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.