The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has adjourned the hearing and possible arraignment of the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and two others, to November 14, 2024.
Justice Maryann Anenih made the adjournment in a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in its fresh charge against the defendants.
Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who appeared for the EFCC at the FCT High Court, said at the hearing that at the last adjourned date, the court issued a Public Summons against the 1st defendant directing that same be published and that the charge be pasted.
Oyedepo while making reference to the 30-day duration of the summons, therefore sought for adjournment till November 14 for arraignment of the three defendants.
JB Daudu, SAN, who appeared for the 2nd defendant, objected to this stating that the matter was for arraignment, and that they were ready, noting that the defendants were all independent and should be so treated.
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A submission the other defendant counsel alligned to, and also noted that in the alternative, he would be asking the court to take his client’s application for bail.
Insisting that the court should adjourn to November 14, the EFCC lawyer notified the court that there was an application for the enforcement of fundamental rights of the 2nd defendant and that the oral application cannot be taken.
The 2nd defendant’s counsel, Daudu, insisted that this negated the principles of fair hearing, he however said the defendant have enjoyed administrative bail before, with the EFCC, so it won’t hurt their pride if they grant them.
The 2nd defendant’s counsel also asked for a date for fundamental rights application for his client.
The trial judge who refused the oral application for bail, said the defendants should come formally by filling applications in writing and then adjourned to November.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
