Justice Emeka Nwite of the Abuja Federal High Court has rescheduled the hearing in a financial misconduct case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to January 21, 2025.
At Wednesday’s session, the legal representative for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kemi Pinheiro, presented two witnesses and requested that the court record a “not guilty” plea on behalf of Bello, even in his absence, aligning with legal provisions in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Pinheiro explained that while Bello has a right to formally enter a plea, that requirement can be bypassed, and urged the court to proceed with the case.
However, Bello’s attorney, Michael Adoyi, contested the motion, arguing it was inconsistent with a prior order, which mandates that no motions be considered until Bello is present in court.
He highlighted the distinct role of the judiciary from the prosecutorial function, insisting that the court should not assist the EFCC in its responsibility to ensure Bello’s appearance.
Citing past legal rulings, Adoyi argued that the procedural laws relied upon by the EFCC do not negate the necessity for the defendant’s in-person presence and urged the court to reject the EFCC’s request.
In response, Pinheiro asked the court to disregard the objection and proceed with a ruling on entering the plea.
Justice Nwite expressed that a ruling may not be feasible before the year’s end and subsequently postponed the decision to January 2025.
In earlier court actions, Justice Nwite had amended an order to exclude Adedipe, a former representative for Bello, from further proceedings after Adedipe had formally withdrawn his representation.
The court further dismissed an application from Bello to suspend proceedings, citing an ongoing Supreme Court appeal, and maintained the existing order for Bello to appear in court.
