Federal High Court Adjourns Proceedings in Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Case

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned further proceedings in the money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello until January 21, 2015.

Key Developments in the Case

1. Adjournment for Ruling: The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, postponed the trial to allow time to consider an application from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The application seeks permission to proceed with the trial in the absence of the defendant.
2. Prosecution’s Readiness: Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), representing the EFCC, informed the court that the agency was prepared to continue the trial despite Bello’s non-appearance. He indicated that all attempts to have the former governor voluntarily appear for the arraignment on 19 counts of money laundering had failed.
3. Application for Plea in Absentia: The prosecution requested the court to formally enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of Yahaya Bello, asserting that this would align with Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. Pinheiro argued that the defendant had effectively waived his right to be present for the plea hearing.
4. Witnesses Present: The prosecution indicated that two witnesses were present and ready to testify, further demonstrating the EFCC’s readiness to advance the trial.

Implications of the Case

The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for former Governor Bello, especially regarding the legality of trying a defendant in absentia. The court’s decision on the prosecution’s application will set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in terms of the defendants’ rights and procedural compliance.

Conclusion

As the Federal High Court prepares to rule on the EFCC’s application, the trial’s adjournment reflects the complexities involved in high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria. The proceedings are closely monitored as they highlight ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to address financial crimes in the country.