Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello appeared at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Tuesday for his bail hearing. The court session, presided over by Justice Maryanne Anenih, was held at the Maitama court complex.
Bello, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since his arraignment on November 27, arrived under tight security. Alongside him were his co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, who are also seeking bail. The trio faces a 16-count charge, including allegations of criminal breach of trust involving over ₦110 billion.
The EFCC, which had earlier declared Bello wanted for alleged money laundering, brought the case under suit number FCT/HC/CR/778/24. The charges stem from accusations that the former governor and his associates mismanaged public funds during his time in office.
The courtroom was tense as both sides presented arguments over the bail application. Defense lawyers argued that the accused deserved bail as the allegations had not been proven in court. “Our client is willing to cooperate with the judicial process and will not interfere with investigations,” said one of Bello’s lawyers.
The prosecution, however, opposed the bail plea, citing the magnitude of the alleged offense. “The amount in question is staggering, and the defendants pose a flight risk,” said the EFCC’s lead counsel.
Also Read:
- Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Reports to EFCC Over Alleged Fund Misappropriation
- EFCC Detains Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Over Alleged N80.2 Billion Fraud
Justice Anenih is expected to deliver her ruling on the bail applications soon. Meanwhile, the case has attracted significant public attention, with many Nigerians expressing interest in the court’s decision.
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants include serious financial crimes that have sparked debates about corruption and accountability in public office. If convicted, the former governor could face severe penalties.
The EFCC continues to emphasize its commitment to holding public officials accountable for alleged financial misconduct. The agency’s spokesperson noted, “This case is part of our broader efforts to ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of Nigerians, not for personal enrichment.”