The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the money laundering trial against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is facing charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case, which was initially scheduled for Wednesday, has now been adjourned until October 30, 2024, by Justice Emeka Nwite.

This delay comes after Bello’s legal team filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, challenging an arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17. During the session, Bello’s lawyer, A.M. Adoyi, informed the court that the appeal, referenced as SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024, must be resolved before moving forward with the arraignment to avoid overstepping the Supreme Court’s authority.

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However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the defense was intentionally dragging out the case. He reminded the court that a previous appeal by Bello—disputing the method of serving charges—was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in August, which ruled that the service had been properly executed.

Pinheiro urged the court to maintain its jurisdiction and continue with the trial, but Adoyi insisted the arraignment should be postponed until the Supreme Court reaches a decision.

Justice Nwite, after considering both arguments, postponed the case to October 30, 2024, for a final ruling and possible arraignment.