The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accused of money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been rescheduled to June 27, 2024.
This decision follows an agreement between legal representatives of both parties at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Originally set for today, June 13, 2024, the arraignment was postponed after Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, and EFCC lawyers deemed the date inconvenient.
During Thursday’s hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, highlighted a communication gap between EFCC lead counsel Kemi Phinhero and Rotimi Oyedepo, who appeared for the agency.
Adedipe noted their surprise at the prosecution team’s stance but confirmed the agreement for the new arraignment date.
However, Oyedepo expressed unawareness of any pre-court meeting and the decision to adjourn to June 27.
Responding to the proceedings, Justice Emeka Nwite accepted Adedipe’s undertaking that Bello would appear on the new date, emphasizing the need to uphold prior commitments despite external agreements.
Yahaya Bello served as Kogi State Governor from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, handing over to fellow APC member Usman Ododo.
On April 17, 2024, EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, later declaring him wanted after an alleged obstruction by Ododo.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi urged Bello to surrender to authorities, reinforcing EFCC’s operational authority.
The case highlights ongoing legal battles involving high-profile figures and underscores national efforts to combat financial misconduct and uphold transparency in governance.