The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in an alleged N80 billion fraud case. The hearing, initially scheduled for January 21, 2025, was rescheduled to December 13, 2024, after the defendant appeared without legal representation.
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, emphasized the need for fair hearing, noting that Bello’s absence of counsel stemmed from receiving notice of the sitting late the previous night. Bello informed the court that he had been unable to notify his lawyers in time.
The prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to proceed with Bello’s plea, arguing that the law only requires the defendant’s presence, not necessarily that of his counsel. However, Justice Nwite ruled against the request, citing procedural fairness.
“The matter was initially adjourned to January 2025. From the defendant’s statement, his lawyers were unaware of today’s sitting. In the interest of fair hearing, we will not proceed with arraignment,” Justice Nwite stated. He directed the prosecution to formally notify the defense team of any change in schedule.
The court scheduled December 13, 2024, for a hearing on the prosecution’s application to fast-track proceedings, with the possibility of arraignment on the same date. The judge also ordered that Bello remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until the adjourned date.
Bello is also facing separate charges involving alleged misappropriation of N110 billion before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih. A decision on his bail application in that case is expected on December 10, 2024.
