The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to the co-defendants in a money laundering case involving former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
At a resumed hearing on Thursday before Justice Maryann Anenih of an Abuja High Court, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro informed the court that co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, the second and third defendants, were granted bail.
Bello, Oricha, and Hudu are facing a new 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.
Agoro requested an adjournment, noting that the 30-day period for the summons issued to Bello on October 3 was still ongoing.
Agoro also stated that November 20, the previously set hearing date, was not convenient for the prosecution.
“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running.
“So we have discussed and agreed to come back on the November 27,” he told the court.
Counsel for the second and third defendants, Aliyu Saiki (SAN) and Z.E. Abass, confirmed their clients’ bail and expressed no objection to the adjournment request.
Agoro also asked the court to allow notice of the hearing to be posted at Bello’s last known address.
After considering the submissions, Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment and issuance of the hearing notice. The case was adjourned to November 27.
Earlier, on October 3, 2024, Justice Anenih issued a public summons for Bello after he failed to appear in court.
The summons allowed the EFCC to serve the charge at Bello’s residence and through publication in national newspapers.
