Court Postpones Hearing in Alleged Money Laundering Case Against Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) case against former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello on money laundering charges. The case, which was scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, will now resume on January 21, 2025.

Justice Emeka Nwite announced the postponement after hearing arguments from EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, and Bello’s lawyer, Michael Adoyi. Pinheiro submitted that, despite the defendant’s absence, the court should proceed with entering a plea of not guilty on behalf of Bello, in compliance with Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Pinheiro argued that entering a plea in Bello’s absence would not disadvantage the defendant and would allow the prosecution to present its case. He requested that the court proceed with the first witness’s testimony following the plea entry.

In response, Adoyi contested Pinheiro’s application, asserting that the court’s prior order required Bello’s physical presence for any further applications or pleas. He contended that the application contradicted this order and expressed concerns about the prosecution potentially bypassing due process.

Adoyi maintained that, according to Supreme Court rulings, criminal trials require a clear separation between judicial and prosecutorial actions. He argued that Pinheiro’s request could compromise the court’s role by assisting the prosecution in ensuring the defendant’s appearance. He requested that the court deny Pinheiro’s application, stating it was unsupported by relevant provisions of the ACJA.

After both submissions, Justice Nwite acknowledged that the case’s complexities may delay a ruling until the next session. Pinheiro agreed, and the case was adjourned until January 21, 2025, for a decision on the plea and potential arraignment.

At a previous hearing in September, Adoyi notified the court that the matter of Bello’s arraignment is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court, listed as Appeal Numbers SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024. He emphasized that the court should await the Supreme Court’s decision on this appeal before proceeding with the arraignment.