Abuja, Nigeria – July 15, 2024: Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to indefinitely adjourn the ongoing case against him, initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has also sought the court’s intervention to vacate an existing arrest order while his appeal is pending.
In a letter dated July 12 and addressed to Justice Emeka Nwite, Bello’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Musa Yakubu, outlined these requests ahead of Bello’s scheduled arraignment on July 17. The letter also addressed the appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
The case against Bello involves allegations of laundering N80 billion. In his appeal, Bello expressed concerns about proceeding with the trial, fearing potential repercussions.
Bello’s appeal, registered under file number CA/ABJ/CR/535/2024, challenges the legality of the arrest warrant issued on April 17, 2024. He is seeking to have this warrant set aside and the case reassigned to a different judge by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. Additionally, Bello is appealing against the service of the EFCC’s charges by substituted means and the subsequent proceedings.
The former governor’s counsel requested the court to adjourn further proceedings sine die, pending the appeal’s outcome. This letter was also sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
The EFCC had previously requested a variation of the arrest warrant, seeking directives for various security agencies to execute the arrest. Bello’s counsel urged the court to decline this request, emphasizing the pending appeal.
Referencing Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, and several legal precedents, Bello’s counsel argued that the trial court no longer had jurisdiction over the matter once the appeal was entered.
The letter highlighted a similar case involving Chief Cletus Ibeto, where proceedings were stayed pending an appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court.
Bello’s counsel concluded by urging Justice Nwite to respect the judicial hierarchy and refrain from actions that could conflict with the Court of Appeal’s jurisdiction. The letter emphasized the importance of adhering to established legal principles to maintain the integrity of the judicial system.
