The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, has ordered the remand of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10.
Justice Maryann Anenih issued the ruling on Wednesday after Bello and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.
The charges against Bello and his associates include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property, all linked to an alleged N110 billion fraud during his tenure as governor.
Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, lead counsel for the EFCC, opposed Bello’s bail application, citing his history of evading trial. Pinheiro told the court: “Several efforts to secure his presence before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, where he is facing another charge, proved abortive.”
The EFCC argued that Bello’s bail application was “incompetent” as it was filed before the court assumed jurisdiction. “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.
In response, Bello’s legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the former governor deserved bail under the presumption of innocence. Daudu stated: “Granting him bail would enable him to effectively prepare his defence to the charge.” He also emphasized that Bello had voluntarily appeared in court in compliance with a summons.
The EFCC alleges that Bello misappropriated state funds to acquire several high-value properties, including:nNo. 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 community in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5.7 million dirhams).
Additional allegations include the transfer of $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and the possession of N677.8 million in unlawfully obtained funds from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The EFCC has indicated readiness to proceed with its case, with some witnesses already available to testify. However, the defence opposed this request, emphasizing the need for adequate preparation.
Justice Anenih has scheduled a ruling on December 10 to determine whether the former governor and his co-defendants will be granted bail as they prepare for trial. Governor Bello’s legal team remains optimistic about his chances, despite the EFCC’s objections.
