An FCT High Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of a former governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Bello, who is facing a N110 billion money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), will remain in custody throughout the Christmas season pending the outcome of his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih refused Bello’s bail request, citing that the application was filed prematurely. According to the judge, the bail motion, dated November 22, was submitted before Bello’s arraignment, rendering it procedurally invalid. Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih referenced the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which stipulates that bail applications can only be made after a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned or presented before the court.
Bello’s defence counsel J.B. Daudu (SAN) argued that the former governor, a two-term leader of Kogi State, provided sufficient assurance that he would not jump bail nor interfere with witnesses. However, the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, maintained that the application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before the legal prerequisites for bail were met.
While Bello remains in custody, his case has been adjourned to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further hearings.
Meanwhile, the second defendant Umar Oricha was granted bail under stringent conditions. He must provide a N300 million bond with two sureties who own properties in Maitama, Abuja, valued at the bond amount. The original title documents, along with the sureties’ affidavits and travel documents, must be submitted to the court. Oricha will remain in custody until these conditions are met.
