Court sets November 14 for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment on new charges

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has scheduled November 14 for the arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, who faces 16 fresh charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The adjournment was requested by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who noted that the court had previously issued a public summons against Bello, which required publication and posting.

However, Justice Anenih clarified, “I did not ask that the charge be pasted, only the summons.”

Oyedepo indicated he anticipated Bello’s presence on November 14, referencing the 30-day period outlined in the summons. He sought the adjournment to allow for the arraignment of all three defendants involved in the case.

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JB Daudu (SAN), representing the second defendant, objected to the delay, arguing that the case was set for arraignment. He insisted that if the prosecution was unprepared to proceed, the defendants should be discharged, noting, “They have been in custody for over one month.”

Daudu emphasized that the defendants should not be held back because one was absent. “My Lord, we are here for arraignment. I don’t think the prosecution should use them as a shield as they are individually here on their own. We either take plea or their discharge,” he stated. “You cannot be using somebody as a human shield when they are not in hostage.”

A.M. Aliyu (SAN), counsel for the third defendant, echoed Daudu’s sentiments and indicated that he would be requesting bail for his client. “In the alternative, my Lord, I have filed an application for bail which was duly served on the complainant,” he said.

However, Oyedepo countered that the bail application could not be entertained at this time due to the joint nature of the charges, which included conspiracy. He reiterated the need to adjourn until November 14.

Daudu responded, asserting that denying bail violated the principles of fair hearing. “Fundamental human right is not about freedom alone but fair hearing. I urge my Lord to take a global look at the matter. They left their family for over a month now,” he stated. He also argued that keeping the defendants would not impact the case and requested bail for them, citing their previous administrative bail with the EFCC.

After hearing all submissions, Justice Anenih rejected the oral bail applications, instructing the defendants to file formal applications. “I have considered your application for bail; it is noted that, as rightly stated by the prosecution, the defendants are at liberty to make a proper application for bail in this court; otherwise, the oral application made today is hereby refused,” she ruled.

The court will reconvene on November 14 and again on November 20 for further proceedings regarding the summons and arraignment.

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