The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (SAN) has granted administrative bail to two men – Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu – charged with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for allegedly diverting the state’s funds.
The EFCC had filed a 16-count charge against Bello and the two other defendants, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion.
At the mention of the case yesterday before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, lawyer to the EFCC, Jamiu Agoro, said the order of the court, given on October 3 in issuing public summons against Bello, had not lapsed.
Agoro confirmed that the EFCC had granted an administrative bail to Oricha and Hudu, the second and third defendants.
He added: “In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running.
“So, we have discussed and agreed to come back on November 27, 2024.”
The EFCC’s lawyer said the November 20 date, earlier given by the court, was not convenient for the prosecution.
He urged the court to grant an application to issue a hearing notice to be served on Bello, the first defendant who was absent in court, and for the notice to be pasted on his last known address.
Oricha’s lawyer, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), confirmed that his client had been granted an administrative bail by the prosecution, saying he was not objecting to the application for an adjournment.
Hudu’s lawyer, Z. E. Abass, also confirmed the bail grant to his client and agreed to the prosecution’s request for bail.
Ruling, Justice Maryanne Anenih granted the request for an adjournment and ordered the issuance of hearing notice to be pasted on the last known address of the first defendant and on a conspicuous place in the court premises.
Justice Anenih adjourned till November 27 for hearing the case when Bello is expected to be present in court.
