EFCC Seeks Adjournment in Case Against Former Kogi Governor

On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requested a postponement of the hearing in its case against Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, along with two co-defendants. The EFCC’s attorney, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, sought to adjourn the proceedings to November 14, 2024, citing the court’s previous issuance of a Public Summons that required publication and posting.

Justice Maryann Anenih, however, clarified that she had only ordered the summons to be published. Oyedepo asserted that he anticipated the presence of the first defendant on the adjourned date, referencing the 30-day period associated with the summons.

Counsel for both the second and third defendants, Joseph Daudu, SAN, and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, respectively, opposed the adjournment, arguing that the defendants were prepared for arraignment and should not be delayed. Daudu emphasized the importance of treating each defendant as an independent entity, expressing concerns about the fairness of the procedural approach taken by the EFCC.

While the issue of bail was raised, Oyedepo contended that such matters could not be addressed until the defendants were formally arraigned, given the nature of the charges, including counts of conspiracy.

Justice Anenih ultimately declined to hear the oral bail application at that time, instructing the defendants to submit written applications instead. The court was adjourned to November 14 and 20 for further discussion related to the summons and potential arraignment of the defendants.