Four-Hour Judgment Reading Delays Yahaya Bello’s Trial at FCT High Court
Story: written by Amarachi March 11,2026
Proceedings in the trial of Yahaya Adoza Bello at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, were delayed on Tuesday after the court spent nearly four hours delivering judgment in another civil matter.
Justice Maryann Anenih began the day with the reading of a civil judgment before turning to the criminal case between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Bello.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro represented the prosecution, while Z. E. Abbas appeared for the third defendant. The delay occurred just as cross-examination of the prosecution witness was set to begin.
The court initially planned to rise by 2:30pm but offered a possible 30-minute extension if the cross-examination could be completed within that time. Pinheiro requested that the court extend the session further to allow the defence to complete questioning and permit the prosecution to call a fresh witness at the next hearing.
Pinheiro noted that all parties had been present since 9:00am, but proceedings were held up as the court meticulously read the civil judgment aloud. He expressed concern over the lengthy reading, suggesting that practices at the Supreme Court—where only the first three and last four pages of a judgment are read—could save time and reduce strain on the court.
The court adjourned the case to Wednesday and Thursday for the continuation of cross-examination and further proceedings. The judge also instructed that Bello’s case be listed as the second matter on the cause list for the following day.
