The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has decisively granted administrative bail to Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are charged alongside former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for the serious offense of allegedly diverting state funds.
The EFCC has filed a comprehensive 16-count charge against Bello and the co-defendants, accusing them of a significant breach of trust involving 4.4 billion naira.
At the recent hearing at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, EFCC lawyer Jamiu Agoro asserted that the court’s order issued on October 3, which summoned Bello to appear, remains valid and active.
Agoro confirmed that both Oricha and Hudu have been granted administrative bail.
He emphasized, “It is inappropriate to proceed with this case while the 30-day time frame is in effect. We have agreed to reconvene on November 27, 2024.”
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He also highlighted that the prior court date of November 20 was inconvenient for the prosecution, urging the court to issue a hearing notice to be delivered to Bello, the first defendant, who was notably absent, and to ensure this notice is posted at his last known address.
Oricha’s lawyer, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), acknowledged the bail granted to his client and expressed no objections to the request for an adjournment.
Likewise, Hudu’s lawyer, Z. E. Abass, confirmed the bail for his client and supported the prosecution’s application.
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled favourably for the adjournment, directing that a hearing notice be prominently displayed at the first defendant’s last known address and in a conspicuous area within the court premises.
The case is set to resume on November 27, when Bello is required to be present.
