Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment Delayed As Lawyer Misses Court
The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, scheduled for Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was stalled due to the absence of his defence counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN).
Mohammed reportedly missed the court session because he was unaware of the hearing date.
Bello faces a 19-count charge of money laundering involving N84 billion, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a separate case at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Bello is also charged with 16 counts of fraud amounting to N110.4 billion.
As Justice Emeka Nwite prepared to proceed with the arraignment on Friday, he noticed the absence of the defence counsel and inquired about his whereabouts.
Bello informed the court that he only learnt of the arraignment late Thursday night and was unable to reach his legal team.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing, “What the law requires is the presence of the defendant, not the presence of his lawyers.”
However, Justice Nwite declined the request, emphasizing the defendant’s right to fair hearing.
He stated, “The matter came up on the 30th of October 2024. It was adjourned to 21st January 2025. From the statement of the defendant, his lawyers are not aware of today’s date. In the interest of fair hearing, I will not proceed for arraignment.”
READ ALSO: EFCC To Arraign Yahaya Bello On Fresh Charges Today
The court waited for 45 minutes, but with no sign of the defence counsel, Justice Nwite adjourned the case.
At the previous sitting on October 30, Pinheiro had requested that the court proceed with the trial, noting that two witnesses were present and ready to testify.
He also suggested entering a plea of not guilty on Bello’s behalf and commencing the trial.
Justice Nwite responded, “This matter is peculiar in the sense that we have already agreed on a date, which is in January. It will be unfair if the matter is taken without the defendant’s counsel. It would be a different thing if the defendant had no counsel.
“Since the defendant has said his counsel is not aware of today’s proceeding, I am of the view that a bench warrant cannot be sacrificed on the altar of fair hearing. The defendant deserves to be represented by counsel”
Following the adjournment, Pinheiro requested that the court set a new date for hearing motions and possible arraignment, while also asking that Bello remain in EFCC custody.
Justice Nwite granted the application, ordering that hearing notices be served on the defendant’s counsel and directing that Bello remain in EFCC custody until the next hearing on December 13.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
