Arraignment of Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Postponed Due to Absence of Defonce Counsel
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The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was postponed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the absence of his defence counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN). It was reported that Mohammed was unaware of the scheduled hearing date, which led to his absence in court.
Bello is facing a 19-count charge of money laundering involving N84 billion, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a separate case at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Bello has already been arraigned on a 16-count charge of fraud, involving N110.4 billion.
As proceedings began, Justice Emeka Nwite noticed the absence of Bello’s lawyer and inquired about his whereabouts. Bello informed the court that he had only learned of the arraignment late Thursday night and had been unable to reach his legal team. EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, requested that the court proceed with the arraignment in the absence of the defence counsel, arguing that the law only required the presence of the defendant, not his lawyer.
However, Justice Nwite refused to proceed, emphasizing the defendant’s right to a fair trial. “In the interest of fair hearing, I will not proceed with the arraignment,” the judge stated, noting that Bello’s lawyers were not informed of the court date. The court waited for 45 minutes, but when the defence counsel did not appear, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter.
In the previous sitting on October 30, Pinheiro had proposed that the trial proceed, as two witnesses were present and ready to testify. He also suggested that the court enter a plea of not guilty on Bello’s behalf to allow the trial to begin. However, Justice Nwite highlighted the importance of legal representation and fairness in the proceedings. “It would be unfair if the matter proceeded without the defendant’s counsel,” the judge remarked.
Following the adjournment, Pinheiro requested that the court set a new date for hearing motions and a possible arraignment. He also asked that Bello remain in EFCC custody until then. Justice Nwite granted this request, setting the next hearing for December 13, 2024, and ordered that Bello remain in EFCC custody until the hearing. He also directed that the defence counsel be properly notified of the new date.
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