The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the hearing for a money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, setting a new date for January 21, 2025. The case, initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involves allegations of financial impropriety during Bello’s term in office.
During Wednesday’s hearing, EFCC Counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the availability of two witnesses. Pinheiro also requested that the court enter a plea of not guilty for Bello, who was absent from the proceedings.
Pinheiro argued that under Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), it was appropriate for the court to proceed in the defendant’s absence and urged the judge to enter a plea on Bello’s behalf. “What prejudice will the defendant suffer if my lord enters a plea in his absence?” Pinheiro asked, emphasizing that the plea would allow the EFCC to present its case.
Defense Counsel Michael Adoyi opposed this request, citing a recent order from the court which required the defendant’s physical presence for arraignment. Adoyi argued that the prosecution was inviting the court to take on duties outside its impartial role in a criminal trial. Referring to past Supreme Court decisions, he warned that proceeding without Bello’s presence could be a “dangerous precedent.”
Pinheiro, however, requested that the court move forward with a ruling on entering the plea.
Justice Nwite acknowledged the challenges of ruling on the matter this year, given his current position as a vacation judge, and adjourned the case for January 2025. This session is expected to cover both the EFCC’s application and, potentially, Bello’s arraignment.
In a previous hearing on September 25, Adoyi had informed the court that Bello’s arraignment is subject to an ongoing Supreme Court appeal, further urging the High Court to wait for the higher court’s decision before taking any additional steps.
