A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on an alleged money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to July 17, 2024.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court of an application before the Chief Judge for the transfer of the case (charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024) to the Federal High Court, Lokoja, pursuant to Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act.
Adedipe stated that the prosecution had been notified and their opinion sought via a letter dated June 14, 2024, from the Chief Judge’s office.
The letter, addressed to EFCC Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq. It included a copy of a letter from the defendant’s counsel requesting the transfer.
“You will find attached the copy of a letter by Counsel to the Defendant on the above subject matter, dated 10th June 2024.
I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, the Chief Judge, to forward the letter to you for your response within six (6) days of receipt,” the letter read in part.
Bello was initially scheduled to appear in court on June 13, but the EFCC requested an adjournment to June 27, citing inconvenience.
Adedipe reminded the court that his appearance at the last hearing was incidental, as reflected in the court’s records.
He explained that after the last hearing, it was understood that a letter had been sent on behalf of the defendant to the Chief Judge, requesting the case be transferred to the Lokoja division, which has territorial jurisdiction.
The Chief Judge’s office had initiated the administrative process for this transfer and requested a response from the prosecution.
EFCC Counsel Kemi Pinheiro disagreed, arguing that the arraignment should proceed and that the former governor’s counsel had undertaken to produce the defendant in court on June 13.
Pinheiro accused the defense of professional misconduct and contempt of court for failing to do so.
Adedipe countered, emphasizing that his appearance on June 13 was unintended and that the EFCC was attempting to shift blame.
He expressed his interest in withdrawing from the case due to the EFCC’s stance.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to July 17 for ruling and arraignment.
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