The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who, alongside former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, face charges related to the alleged diversion of N110.4 billion of state funds.
The EFCC had filed a 16-count charge against Bello and the two co-defendants, accusing them of criminal breach of trust involving the alleged embezzlement of Kogi State’s funds.
During a hearing at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro confirmed the administrative bail for Oricha and Hudu. Agoro further noted that the court’s previous order, issued on October 3, for a public summons against Bello, remains active.
“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running,” Agoro said, indicating that all parties had agreed to return to court on November 27, 2024, for the next hearing. He also requested the issuance of a hearing notice for Bello, who was absent, to be pasted on his last known address.
Counsel for Oricha, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail and did not oppose the request for an adjournment. Similarly, Hudu’s lawyer, Z. E. Abass, acknowledged the bail and supported the prosecution’s request.
Presiding over the case, Justice Maryanne Anenih approved the adjournment to November 27. She ordered that the hearing notice for Bello be pasted on his last known address as well as on a prominent location within the court premises.
