-Ola Williams
Abuja – November 14, 2024
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to the co-defendants of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in an ongoing money laundering case.
EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro announced the bail arrangement during a session at the Abuja High Court before Justice Maryann Anenih on Thursday.
The EFCC has filed a fresh 16-count charge against Bello and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, listed as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants respectively.
Speaking to the court, Agoro requested an adjournment, explaining that a 30-day window was still active for the summons issued in early October, allowing additional time for Bello to appear.
“We feel it would be inappropriate to proceed while the 30 days are still running,” Agoro stated. “After discussing with counsel, we have agreed to reconvene on November 27.”
He added that an earlier date of November 20 was inconvenient for the prosecution.Aliyu Saiki, SAN, counsel for the 2nd defendant, confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail and expressed no objections to the adjournment. ZE Abass, counsel for the 3rd defendant, also concurred with the request.
In addition, the EFCC requested permission to post the hearing notice at Bello’s last known address, which was granted by Justice Anenih.
After considering the submissions, Justice Anenih ruled in favor of the EFCC’s application. “The application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice is granted,” she stated.
The court adjourned the matter to November 27 for the next hearing.
