Court don fix date for Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to respond to summons and appear for arraignment. Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, make this decision on Thursday, October 24.
Yahaya Bello, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, dey face 16-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the EFCC lawyer, ask the court to adjourn till November 14 because the court issue public summons against Bello and the other defendants.
Oyedepo explain say the court give order to publish the summons, but Justice Anenih correct am say she no order that the charge be pasted alongside the summons. Oyedepo say he expect Bello to be in court by November 14, based on the 30-day duration of the summons.
Joseph Daudu (SAN), the lawyer for the second defendant, object to Oyedepo’s application. Daudu argue say the matter suppose be for arraignment that day and if the prosecution no ready, the defendants who already dey in court should be discharged. Mohammed Aliyu (SAN), the lawyer for the third defendant, align with Daudu’s submission and ask for bail for his client.
Oyedepo disagree with the defence, saying the application for bail no fit be taken because the charge be joint charge with counts of conspiracy. Justice Anenih adjourn the case till November 14 and November 20 for Bello to respond to the summons and/or arraignment.
