The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, in a fraud case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The case, centered on charges of fraud totaling N101.4 billion, has been adjourned until November 27, 2024, by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih, EFCC Counsel Jamiu Agoro requested an adjournment, noting that the 30-day compliance period for Bello’s summons, issued on October 3, had not yet expired. Agoro explained that the November 20 court date was inconvenient for the prosecution, and that seeking an arrest warrant would be premature as Bello still had a few days to respond to the summons.
Both the second and third defendants’ legal representatives supported the adjournment request.
Following this, Justice Anenih approved the EFCC’s request, extending the deadline for Bello’s appearance and authorizing service of the hearing notice to be sent to his last known address.
In a parallel development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama ordered a hearing notice to be posted at Bello’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and on the court’s notice board.
This step follows multiple missed court appearances by Bello since the public summons was issued, urging him to appear for arraignment on 16 counts related to the alleged fraud.
Justice Anenih emphasized the importance of due process, setting November 27, 2024, as the final date for Bello’s court appearance. This case has drawn attention to the EFCC’s efforts to enforce accountability among high-profile figures in Nigeria amidst allegations of large-scale financial mismanagement.