The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until October 30, 2024, pending a ruling. The case is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the adjournment on Wednesday, following Bello’s intention to appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn an arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17.
During the hearing, defense counsel A.M. Adoyi informed the court that Bello’s arraignment matter, currently under appeal, has been escalated to the Supreme Court. He highlighted that the Court of Appeal’s ruling on August 28 mandated Bello to appear before Justice Nwite, which is now being contested at the apex court.
Adoyi referenced a September 23 affidavit of record related to the appeal. “The appeal numbers are SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024. It is most appropriate to await the Supreme Court’s decision on the aforementioned appeal before proceeding with the arraignment to avoid nullifying the appellant’s case,” he stated.
In response, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro expressed frustration, asserting that Bello and his legal team have turned the courtroom into a venue for entertainment.
