The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, for December 13, 2024, over alleged money laundering charges amounting to N80.2 billion.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the matter on Friday, November 29, directed the court registrar to issue a hearing notice to Bello’s legal team ahead of the arraignment. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello on a 19-count charge of money laundering.
During the proceedings, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, citing the defendant’s presence in court as sufficient under the law.
Pinheiro referenced sections 271-277 and 392 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and noted two Court of Appeal rulings from August 2024, which affirmed that a defendant’s presence in court satisfies the requirements for arraignment.
He further argued that Bello’s repeated failure to appear in court had previously led to an application for his trial in absentia.
“In view of his physical presence in court, I respectfully apply that the charge be read to the defendant, his plea be taken, and my lordship adjourn for further proceedings,” Pinheiro stated.
In response, Bello informed the court that he had not assembled his legal team for the arraignment and requested additional time to do so.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to December 13, 2024, to allow the prosecution to serve the required processes to Bello’s counsel.
The court also directed the registrar to notify Bello’s legal team and ordered that the former governor remain in EFCC custody pending the next hearing.
