The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), until October 30, 2024.

The delay, ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite, follows Bello’s move to appeal an arrest warrant issued by the court on April 17 to the Supreme Court.

During the session, Bello’s lawyer, A.M. Adoyi, highlighted that the appeal at the Supreme Court directly addresses the defendant’s arraignment, citing an affidavit of record filed on September 23.

According to Adoyi, “The appropriate action would be to await the Supreme Court’s ruling before proceeding with the arraignment to ensure the appeal is not compromised.”

The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, criticized the defense’s actions, noting that a previous appeal disputing the mode of service had already been dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Pinheiro added, “The Court of Appeal ruled that the service of charges was proper, but the defense continues to delay proceedings.”

Justice Nwite adjourned the case to October 30, 2024, for ruling and arraignment.