13th June, 2024
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, rescheduled the arraignment of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for June 27.
Bello who was recently declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with an N80.2bn fraud, has been on the run.
His arraignment was adjourned following the absence of the lead counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, in court.
Pinhero, had earlier informed Bello’s legal team that he would be absent in court. He had also requested for a new date to be set for the former governor to be arraigned.
But another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo announced his appearance for the EFCC and wanted the case to continue, a development resisted by the defence team.
A counsel to Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, said a request for adjournment had already been made for Bello and there was no need to continue with the case on Thursday.
Trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite agreed with the defence and proceeded to adjourn the matter.
Bello faces a 19-count corruption charge preferred against him by the EFCC.