EFCC grants bail to Yahaya Bello’s co-defendants over alleged N110.4b fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, co-defendants in the case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who faces allegations of diverting state funds totaling N110.4 billion. The EFCC filed a 16-count charge against Bello, Oricha, and Hudu, alleging a criminal breach of trust involving state finances.

During the hearing on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, EFCC prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) informed the court that his client had granted administrative bail to Oricha and Hudu. Bello, however, was absent despite a summons issued against him. Justice Maryann Anenih subsequently ordered the issuance of a hearing notice for Bello and scheduled the next hearing for November 27.

The EFCC also requested an adjournment, noting that the 30-day summons period had not yet expired. “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 the 27th day of November, 2024, my lord,” said EFCC Counsel Jamiu Agoro.

Counsel for the second and third defendants, Aliyu Saiki (SAN) and Z.E. Abass, confirmed that their clients had been granted bail and agreed to the adjournment.

Justice Anenih granted the EFCC’s application, stating, “I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the second and third defendants. The application is granted.”

The court has adjourned the arraignment to November 27, as the EFCC proceeds with its case against Bello and his co-defendants.