How EFCC Missteps Led to Yahaya Bello's Arraignment Delay

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to June 27, following a series of miscommunications. Initially set for June 13, the new date was scheduled without informing Bello's defense team.

During Thursday's hearing, Bello's counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, explained that the EFCC had requested to move the arraignment from June 13 to June 27. This request was agreed upon by Bello's lead counsel, Aliyu AbdulWahab, SAN, for convenience.

However, Adedipe was surprised to find EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, present in court, contradicting their prior agreement. He noted that the EFCC had assured that a junior counsel would attend court to formalize the new date.

"They (EFCC) agreed that junior counsel would be sent to court today to formally pick a date. And the registry can confirm this,ÔÇØ Adedipe stated. He added that the lead counsel, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, had been in communication, emphasizing the inconvenience of the initial date.

Despite the EFCC's decision to seek an adjournment, Bello was prepared to appear in court on Thursday. Adedipe argued that, under Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), Bello's presence was unnecessary for setting a new date.

The court has now set June 27 as the new date for Bello's arraignment in the alleged money laundering case.