EFCC Grants Bail to Co-Defendants in Ex-Kogi Governor Bello’s Money Laundering Case

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 State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

During the resumed hearing at an Abuja High Court on Thursday, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro informed Justice Maryann Anenih that the co-defendants had been admitted to bail. Bello, Oricha, and Hudu face a new 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.

Agoro also requested an adjournment, citing that the 30-day period for Bello’s court summons was still active. He explained that proceeding while this window was open would be premature, and proposed Nov. 27 for the next hearing, as Nov. 20 was not convenient for the prosecution.

Defense counsels Aliyu Saiki, SAN, representing the 2nd Defendant, and ZE Abass, representing the 3rd Defendant, confirmed their clients’ bail status and did not oppose the adjournment request.

The EFCC also sought court permission to paste a hearing notice at Bello’s last known address, a motion to which all parties agreed.

Justice Anenih granted the adjournment and application for the hearing notice, rescheduling the case for Nov. 27.