The arraignment of former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello for alleged fraud was stalled on Thursday due to his absence and that of the lead counsel in the matter.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned to June 27 for hearing and possible arraignment following another undertaking by the defence counsel to produce Bello in court on the next adjourned date.
When the matter commenced, the defence counsel Adeola Adedipe told the court that there was a meeting and agreement at the instance of the lead prosecution counsel, that the matter be adjourned for want of convenience.
He told the court that parties were only meant to come and inform the court officially of the resolution and ask for adjournment.
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Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo while noting that he is not aware of any agreement, opposed the move for an adjournment and asked the court to admonish the defendants as to why their client isn’t in court, following the undertaking to produce Bello on the next adjourned date.
Oyedepo further disclosed that it was at the instance of the undertaking that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission did not deploy its men in search of Bello.
After the submission of both lawyers, the trial judge, Justice Nwite adjourned and ordered that Bello be brought for arraignment on the said date
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
