The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, co-defendants in an alleged money laundering case involving former Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. During Thursday's hearing, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro informed Justice Maryann Anenih of the Abuja High Court about the bail and sought an adjournment, as the 30-day period for the summons issued to Bello is still active.
The EFCC, which filed a 16-count charge against Bello and his co-defendants, requested an extension for Bello to appear, while indicating a rescheduled hearing for November 27. The defendants’ counsel, Aliyu Saiki and ZE Abass, confirmed the administrative bail and agreed to the adjournment.
Agoro further requested permission to paste the hearing notice at Bello’s last known address to ensure compliance with the summons issued on October 3. Justice Anenih approved the EFCC’s request for both the adjournment and public notice of hearing.
The summons against Bello followed his absence at a previous arraignment on the charges. The court instructed that notices be posted at Bello’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, and published in widely circulated newspapers to ensure proper notification.
