A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, for December 13, 2024, over an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the directive on Friday, November 29, instructing the court registrar to notify Bello’s legal team of the new date. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the former governor on a 19-count charge of laundering public funds.
During the proceedings, EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, citing Bello’s presence in court as sufficient under Sections 271-277 and 392 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Pinheiro referenced two Court of Appeal rulings from August 2024, which affirm that a defendant’s physical presence is adequate for arraignment.
Pinheiro further highlighted Bello’s history of failing to appear in court, which had prompted an earlier request for trial in absentia.
In response, Bello requested additional time to mobilize his legal team for the arraignment.
Justice Nwite, in a brief ruling, granted the adjournment and ordered Bello to remain in EFCC custody until the next hearing.
The court also instructed the registrar to serve a hearing notice to Bello’s defense counsel to ensure a smooth commencement of proceedings on December 13.
