The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained an order granting 10 extra days to the embattled Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor, to appear in court.
On Thursday, Jamiu Agoro, EFCC’s counsel, made a prayer before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama. Agoro said he needed to serve a hearing notice and court summons to Bello at his Abuja address.
Anenih granted this prayer and said he should paste it at Bello’s residence at No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and on the court’s notice board.
This follows an October 3 order the court granted the prosecution to summon the defendant. The order required Bello to appear before November 17, but the new date means he must appear on November 27.
READ MORE: EFCC Declares Yahaya Bello Wanted Over N80b Fraud
Bello and two others, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, face 16 fresh charges relating to criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to commit an offence involving N110.4 billion.
Meanwhile, the EFCC granted bail to Oricha and Hudu. Counsels to both defendants agreed with the new court hearing date.
Reacting to the EFCC counsel’s prayer, Anenih said, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant, the issuance of a hearing notice, and the submissions from the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted.”
Bello has remained at large after the EFCC declared him wanted and published claims of his embezzlement of state funds for personal gains.
The former governor and the agency engaged in a shootout the last time they tried to arrest him.
The post To Serve Summons, EFCC Asks Court to Delay Yahaya Bello’s Court Appearance appeared first on Foundation For Investigative Journalism.