Money Laundering: Court Sets September 25 For Bello’s Arraignment
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to September 25, 2024. The case, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was postponed on Wednesday.
Despite an appeal on jurisdiction filed by Bello at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Justice Nwite ruled that the proceedings would continue. Bello’s counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had requested a stay of proceedings pending the appeal’s outcome, arguing that the trial court should not proceed until the higher court’s decision on the arrest warrant and other rulings.
During the hearing, Mohammed argued that proceeding with the trial before resolving the jurisdiction issue would be inappropriate, citing legal authorities and the constitution. He highlighted the treatment of his colleague at the previous hearing, asserting that the court should wait for the appellate court’s decision.
However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, opposed the application, stating that Bello had not presented any document from the Court of Appeal requesting a stay of proceedings. He emphasized that the case was not a civil matter and urged the court to focus on the arguments presented on June 27.
Justice Nwite questioned whether continuing the case without addressing the jurisdiction issue would amount to judicial overreach but ultimately decided to adjourn the proceedings to September 25, 2024.
