Bu Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on an alleged money laundering case to June 27, following an agreement between the counsels of both parties.
During the Thursday hearing, a mild drama ensued when the EFCC attempted to abandon its earlier request to change the arraignment date from June 13 to June 27 without informing the defendants’ counsels. However, Yahaya Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, revealed that the EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had approached them to agree on a new date, as today was not convenient.
Adedipe, who was in court for another matter, expressed surprise at Rotimi Oyedepo’s presence, as he was not aware of any meeting outside the court. He emphasized that the defendants had nothing to hide and were willing to pick a new date.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to June 27 after receiving an undertaking that Yahaya Bello would appear on that day.
It appears that there was a lack of coordination among the EFCC lawyers, as Rotimi Oyedepo claimed he was unaware of any understanding to adjourn the case to June 27. Despite this, the case has been adjourned, and Yahaya Bello is expected to appear on the new date.