The Federal High Court has adjourned until January 21, 2025, to rule on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application to try former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in absentia over alleged money laundering charges.
Bello is facing 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.
Recall that Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT in Maitama, Abuja on October 3, 2024 issued a public summon against the former Governor of Kogi State, following his absence in a fresh arraignment on 16-count charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Bello, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu are facing prosecution bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy to commit an offence to the tune of N110.4 Billion.
Justice Anenih issued the summon in a ruling following an ex parte application by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN praying the court to grant leave that the defendant be served the charges via substituted means, following his absence in court to answer charges filed against him on September 24, 2024.
The court ordered that the charges be served on the defendant at his known residence, No 4, Bengazi Street, Maitama, Abuja, through a public summons to be published in widely circulated national newspapers and also pasted within the premises of the court.
The judge granted two separate adjournments: 0ctober 24, 2024 and November 14, 2024. The former for arraignment on the grounds that the defendant will be arrested and brought to court by EFCC and the latter when the 30 days of service elapses.
Bello is also being awaited for arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja on an 18-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2billion.
Details shortly…
