Trial of Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello Postponed

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, to July 17, 2024.

Bello, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), faces multiple charges, including 19 counts related to money laundering, breach of trust, and alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N80.2 billion, as asserted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During Thursday’s court session, Bello’s legal representative, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), requested permission to withdraw from representing his client.

Adedipe cited an application to transfer the case from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja to the Federal High Court in Lokoja, pursuant to Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act.

Adedipe informed the court that the prosecution had been duly notified and had sought their opinion through a letter dated June 14, 2024, from the office of the Chief Judge. This communication, addressed to the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), was signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Aji.

Notably, Bello was originally slated to appear in court on June 13, but the proceedings were rescheduled to June 27 at the request of the EFCC lead counsel, who indicated the former date would not be feasible.

Adedipe stressed that Bello’s presence at the previous hearing on June 13 was accidental, as evidenced by court records.

In response, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) argued for sanctions against Bello’s counsel for their failure to appear at Bello’s scheduled arraignment, citing a breach of professional conduct rules.

He pointed out that Rule 31(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct mandates compliance with undertakings made before a court, and failing to do so constitutes misconduct.

Pinheiro emphasized that the purpose of the court session was for Bello’s arraignment, and his legal team had undertaken to ensure his appearance on June 13.