The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in Abuja, on Wednesday, November 27, directed that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, rem
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in Abuja, on Wednesday, November 27, directed that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, until December 10, pending the court’s decision on his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih issued the order after Bello and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, entered not-guilty pleas to a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.
The charges involve conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property, all tied to an alleged N110 billion fraud.
During the proceedings, EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued against granting Bello bail, pointing to a prior instance of his alleged evasion of trial.
“Several efforts to secure his presence before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, where he is facing another charge, proved abortive,” Pinheiro said.
The prosecution further contended that the bail application was incompetent, arguing that it was submitted before the court had formally assumed jurisdiction over the case.
“This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants. It is only after arraignment that the bail application can arise and be heard. The application is premature, hasty, and contradicts the meaning of bail,” Pinheiro added.
Bello’s defense team, headed by former Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, President Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the former governor was entitled to bail, citing the principle of presumption of innocence.
“Granting him bail would enable him to effectively prepare his defence to the charge,” Daudu argued.
He also highlighted that his client was served the charge late on November 26 and had voluntarily appeared in court in compliance with a summon.
The defense urged the court to disregard the EFCC’s references to an unrelated case against Bello, emphasizing that it had no bearing on the current charges.
Earlier, lead counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the commission’s readiness to commence its case, noting that witnesses were already available to testify. However, this move faced opposition from the defense team.
The EFCC has accused Bello of misappropriating state funds during his tenure as governor to acquire multiple high-value properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja (N100 million), No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million) and a hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5.7 million dirhams).
Other allegations include transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, as well as possessing unlawfully obtained funds amounting to N677.8 million through Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Justice Maryann Anenih is set to rule on December 10 regarding the bail applications of Bello and his co-defendants as they await trial on the charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illicit acquisition of properties
