In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the case of alleged money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State. The case has been postponed until October 30, 2024, as Bello has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, challenging an earlier arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17.The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, made the decision to adjourn the case after the defendant's counsel, A.M. Adoyi, requested that the court consider the pending appeal. According to Adoyi, the appeal, entered on September 23 at the Supreme Court, centers around the arrest warrant and other legal technicalities. He emphasized that proceeding with the arraignment could undermine the appeal and create complications in the higher court's ruling.“The appeal number is SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024,” Adoyi informed the court, explaining that it would be prudent to await the Supreme Court’s decision. He argued that moving forward with the trial could render the appeal ineffective or interfere with the judicial process.However, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC, countered these arguments, accusing Bello's legal team of delaying tactics. Pinheiro highlighted that the defendant had previously filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, contesting the mode of service of the charges, which was dismissed on August 28. He added that the appellate court had validated the service, dismissing the defendant’s objections.Pinheiro argued that despite the dismissal of the appeal, the defense had taken further steps, which, in his opinion, only served to prolong the case. He urged the court to exercise its authority over the matter, insisting that the defense was unnecessarily complicating the legal process.It is noteworthy that Yahaya Bello had voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC last week, accompanied by the current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo. However, reports emerged that the EFCC did not interrogate or detain him during his visit. Allegations also surfaced that the EFCC had laid siege to the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja, supposedly intending to arrest the former governor.Despite the arguments put forth by both sides, Justice Nwite acknowledged that the issues raised by the defense needed to be resolved before proceeding. “In the interest of justice, we should await the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue,” Adoyi had urged the court, arguing that the Supreme Court's ruling could influence the direction of the case.As a result, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until October 30, 2024, stating that he would make a ruling on the legal points raised and possibly proceed with the arraignment.
