Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment Stalls Following Defence Counsel’s Absence

The arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on money laundering charges was postponed on Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to his lawyer’s absence.

Defense counsel Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN) was reportedly unaware of the hearing date.

Bello, facing a 19-count charge involving N84 billion, informed the court he only learned of the arraignment late Thursday, leaving him unable to notify his legal team.

EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, but Justice Emeka Nwite declined, citing the defendant’s right to a fair hearing.

The judge emphasised the importance of legal representation and rescheduled the case for December 13.

Bello will remain in EFCC custody until the next hearing.