The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, sought adjournment in the fresh case it instituted against the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, saying the 30-day window was still running for the earlier summons issued.

It, however, admitted his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to bail, and prayed the court for an extension of time for the 1st defendant to appear.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, counsel for EFCC, Jamiu Agoro, said the order of the court, given on October 3, had not elapsed.

“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while those 30 days are still running. So, we have discussed and agreed to come back on the 27th day of November 2024, my lord,” he told the court.

He also noted that the 20th of November date earlier given was not convenient for the prosecution counsel.  Lawyer to the 2nd defendant, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, who confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail by the prosecution, said he had no objection to the application for adjournment. The 3rd defendant’s counsel, ZE Abass, concurred.

The prosecution counsel also asked the court to grant an application to paste the notice of hearing on the last known address of the 1st defendant. After entertaining all arguments, the presiding judge granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment, including the hearing notice.

“I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the 2nd and 3rd defendants. The application is granted,” she ruled. Justice Anenih thereafter adjourned the case to November 27 for arraignment.