A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih, who presided over the case, adjourned hearings on the N110 billion money laundering charges brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to January 29 and 30, as well as February 25 and 27, 2024.
The judge refused an earlier bail application filed by Bello, ruling it as “premature.” She stated that the application was incompetent because it had been filed before the defendant was taken into custody or brought before the court.
“Having been filed prematurely, the instant application is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih said.
Bello, along with two other defendants, is facing charges of laundering N110 billion. His counsel, JB Daudu (SAN), had argued that Bello’s status as a two-term governor and his assurance not to interfere with witnesses or jump bail made him eligible for bail. However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the motion, asserting that the application was improperly filed prior to Bello’s arraignment.
The court documents revealed that Bello submitted his bail application on November 22, while he was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27. Justice Anenih cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which allow bail applications only after a defendant has been arrested, detained, or brought before the court.
Meanwhile, the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were granted bail on stringent conditions. Each was required to post N300 million bail with two sureties owning property in the Maitama District of Abuja. They must also deposit their international passports with the court and seek permission to travel outside the country.
Both defendants were ordered to remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre until they fulfill their bail conditions. The court emphasized that no surety could enter into a bond for more than one defendant.
The trial is set to resume early next year, with all defendants required to appear in court for the proceedings.
