The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has scheduled a court appearance for former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on November 14.
On October 3, the court presided over by Justice Maryanne Anenih, issued a public summons for Bello to attend and respond to a new 16-count charge related to criminal breach of trust filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against him and two others, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
The three men are accused of diverting approximately N110.4 billion.
At yesterday’s hearing, EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), reminded the court that it had previously issued a public summons for Bello and instructed that it be published in a widely circulated newspaper, with copies posted at Bello’s last known address and in prominent locations within the court premises.
Oyedepo expressed his disappointment that the former governor was not present in court, even though the 30-day period for the summons will end on November 14.
He requested an adjournment until that date for the arraignment of all three defendants.
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Joseph Daudu (SAN), representing Oricha, objected to Oyedepo’s request, asserting that the case was set for arraignment.
He indicated that his client was prepared to proceed, emphasizing that the defendants should be treated as independent parties. Mohammed Aliyu (SAN), representing Hudu, supported Daudu’s view and, alternatively, requested that the court consider his client’s bail application.
In response, Oyedepo countered the defence lawyers’ positions, arguing that the court could not entertain bail applications until the defendants were arraigned, as the charges involve conspiracy.
He noted that Oricha has already applied to the enforcement of his fundamental rights, which have been served to him.
He maintained that bail applications cannot be heard before arraignment.
Daudu requested a date for the hearing of his client’s fundamental rights enforcement application.
Ultimately, Justice Anenih denied the oral bail application and instructed the defendants to submit written formal applications for bail.
