Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello and his co-defendants on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
They were arraigned before Justice Maryann Anenih of Abuja High Court.
After taking their plea, the defendant’s counsel Joseph Daudu moved an application for the bail.
But the EFCC lawyer Kemi Pinheiro opposed the bail plea, saying the application expired in October.
Making clarifications, the defendant’s counsel said that the only relevant application before the court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant (Bello), which was filed on November 22.
Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.
The EFCC earlier moved for trial to commence immediately and was ready to call its first witness.
But Daudu argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm on November 26 and that he would need time to prepare his client.
On the bail application, the senior lawyer submitted that a defendant, in line with the law, is innocent until proven guilty.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial.
“The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to take his plea.
“The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court,” he said.
The co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu were earlier admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC.
Earlier, the court’s rowdiness forced Justice Anenih to leave.
Bello then took over crowd control, urging his followers to vacate their seats and leave the courtroom.
