Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment Adjourned to October 30 Amid Supreme Court Appeal

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, until October 30, 2024. The adjournment was made by Justice Emeka Nwite after Bello filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to set aside the arrest warrant issued against him on April 17.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 19-count money laundering charge against Bello. At the resumed hearing, Bello’s counsel, A.M. Adoyi, informed the court that the issue of arraignment was subject to an appeal already entered at the Supreme Court. Adoyi stated that the appeal numbers are SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024, and that the most appropriate thing to do is to await the decision of the Supreme Court in the aforesaid appeal before taking any step for arraignment.

However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the request, accusing Bello’s lawyers of turning the court into a place for entertainment. Pinheiro noted that the Court of Appeal had previously dismissed Bello’s appeal disputing the mode of service of the charge and proof of evidence. He argued that Bello’s lawyers were trying to stall the trial.

Bello had submitted himself to the EFCC on September 18, accompanied by his successor, Gov. Usman Ododo, but the EFCC reportedly refused to interrogate or detain him. It was later reported that EFCC operatives laid siege on the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja to arrest Bello at night.

Adoyi argued that the arraignment should be delayed until the Supreme Court decides on the appeal, stating that in the interest of justice, they should await the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue. Justice Emeka Nwite ultimately adjourned the matter until October 30 for ruling and arraignment.

The case has sparked controversy, with the EFCC accusing Bello of embezzling large sums of public funds during his tenure as governor. The adjournment sets the stage for a crucial decision that could determine the course of the trial.

The Supreme Court’s decision on Bello’s appeal will significantly impact the outcome of the case. If the appeal is successful, it could potentially stall the trial further. Conversely, if the appeal is dismissed, the trial will proceed, and Bello will face the 19-count money laundering charge.