The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, under Justice Maryann Anenih, has yet again postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. This time, the case has been pushed to November 27, 2024, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brings fresh charges against him. In what many might consider another delay tactic in the usual Nigerian political drama, Bello is facing a 16-count charge, including conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, involving N110.4 billion.
Bello isn’t alone in this mess. He’s accompanied by two co-defendants: Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The EFCC, represented by Jamiu Agoro, conveniently requested more time, citing that the 30-day summons issued in October was still valid. So, the EFCC wants us to believe they’re still waiting for Bello to show up, as if the former governor is unaware of the court’s orders. The agency had previously issued a public summons, plastering it all over the newspapers, Bello’s last known address, and even at prominent spots around the court premises. But no one has seen him in the courtroom yet.
This legal back-and-forth seems like a tactic —delay, distract, and deny. Agoro requested an extension for Bello’s appearance, arguing that rushing the process would be inappropriate. “I humbly pray, Your Lordship, for an extension of time for the 1st defendant to be present in court,” he said, as if we haven’t heard this line before in other high-profile cases where justice is delayed indefinitely.
Meanwhile, the other two defendants, Oricha and Hudu, are free on administrative bail, thanks to the generosity of the EFCC. Their legal representatives, Aliyu Saiki and ZE Abass, had no objections to the adjournment. In fact, they seemed perfectly fine with delaying the case, as they casually agreed with the prosecutor’s request to reconvene on November 27 instead of the initial date of November 20. Because, of course, they have other “pressing” engagements.
The judge granted the EFCC’s plea for an adjournment and gave the green light to post another hearing notice at Bello’s residence. The courtroom drama, or should we say the charade, continues with a new date set for November 27.
Justice Anenih concluded by stating, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant, the issuance of a hearing notice, and the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted.”
