The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja rejected the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, on Tuesday, citing procedural errors in the filing. The decision came amidst his ongoing trial for alleged money laundering of over N110 billion.
Justice Maryanne Anenih, presiding over the case, ruled that Bello’s bail application was filed prematurely, rendering it invalid. The application was submitted on November 22, days before Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and formally arraigned on November 27.
“Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent. Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih stated.
Legal Arguments and Counterarguments
Bello’s legal counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), appealed to the court to reconsider, emphasizing his client’s integrity and compliance with legal proceedings.
“The first defendant became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court,” Daudu argued, adding that Bello, a two-term governor, posed no risk of interfering with witnesses or fleeing the country.
However, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), challenged the validity of the application, arguing that it violated the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
“The application was grossly incompetent as it was filed before the arraignment, contrary to the provisions of the law,” Pinheiro said, urging the court to dismiss it outright.
Also Read:
- Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Faces Bail Hearing Amid Money Laundering Allegations
- EFCC Detains Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Over Alleged N80.2 Billion Fraud
Second Defendant Granted Bail
While Bello’s bail request was denied, the court granted bail to his co-defendant, Umar Oricha. Justice Anenih set Oricha’s bail at N300 million with stringent conditions, including the provision of two sureties who must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail amount.
The court further required the submission of original title documents for the properties, affidavits of means from the sureties, and copies of their international passports. Oricha was also directed to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions were fulfilled.
Case Background
Bello, alongside Oricha and another co-defendant, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the EFCC, including allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering. The charges revolve around the alleged mismanagement of N110 billion during his tenure as governor of Kogi State.