Alleged Fraud: Court remands Yahaya Bello in Kuje Prison, adjourns case
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the remand of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, at the Kuje Correctional Centre while his bail application is pending. The court also adjourned the case to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further hearing.
Justice Maryann Anenih had previously rejected Bello’s bail application, stating that it was filed prematurely. Bello is standing trial, alongside two other individuals, on an alleged ₦110 billion money laundering charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
READ ALSO: Alleged Fraud: Court refuses Yahaya Bello’s bail application
During the court proceedings concerning the bail application, the judge noted that the motion, dated November 22, sought to admit the former governor to bail pending the determination of the charges. Bello’s counsel, JB Daudu (SAN), argued that the defendant had provided sufficient facts to warrant bail, emphasizing that if granted, Bello would not interfere with witnesses or abscond.
The prosecution, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, arguing that it was incompetent as it had been filed before the defendant’s arraignment. Pinheiro stated that such applications should be made after arraignment, a view disputed by the defense, which argued there was no legal restriction against filing before.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih pointed out that the bail application had been filed on November 22, several days after Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27. She referred to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which stipulates that bail applications can only be made once a defendant has been arrested, detained, or arraigned.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the amount of ₦300 million with two sureties. The sureties must own property in Maitama worth at least the value of the bond and provide their original title documents to the court.
Additionally, they must submit affidavits of means and copies of their passports. The court also ordered Oricha to deposit his travel documents and remain in custody until the bail conditions are met.
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