Former Kogi 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). Additionally, he has asked the court to revoke its arrest order pending the outcome of his appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Bello's demands are outlined in a letter by his counsel, Musa Yakubu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Dated July 12, the letter was addressed to Justice Emeka Nwite, ahead of Bello’s scheduled arraignment on July 17. Bello is facing charges for allegedly laundering N80 billion and has expressed concerns about the trial proceeding before his appeal is resolved.
In his appeal (Case No. CA/ABJ/CR/535/2024), Bello seeks to nullify the arrest warrant issued on April 17, 2024, and requests the case be reassigned to a different judge. He also seeks to set aside the service of the EFCC charge on him and the proceedings already conducted.
In response to the EFCC's letter dated July 8, 2024, which sought a variation of the arrest warrant and requested enforcement by various security agencies, Bello’s counsel urged the court to reject this request and await the appeal's outcome.
Yakubu cited Order 4 Rule 11(1) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, and Supreme Court rulings, asserting that the lower court must defer to the appellate court once an appeal is entered. He requested that the court expunge the proceedings of June 27, 2024, and adjourn further proceedings pending the appeal's determination.
Bello's letter emphasized that continuing the proceedings would undermine the appellate court's jurisdiction and violate established legal principles. He referenced a similar case where further proceedings were stayed due to an appeal, urging the court to follow this precedent.
The letter concluded by reminding the court of its duty to uphold judicial hierarchy and avoid actions that could be seen as an affront to the legal system's foundational principles.
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