Court Denies Bail Application of Yahaya Bello

A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, citing procedural errors in the filing. Justice Maryanne Anenih, in her ruling, explained that the application was premature as it was submitted before Bello was present in court or in custody.

The judge stated, “Since the application was filed before the defendant was either in custody or before the court, it is deemed incompetent. Therefore, the application is refused.”

Bello, along with two other individuals, faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N110 billion money laundering scheme. The court noted that the bail application, dated November 22, was submitted prior to Bello’s formal arraignment, which occurred on November 27, following his arrest on November 26.

Bello’s legal counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider the application, arguing that his client, a former two-term governor, would not interfere with witnesses or flee. “The defendant became aware of the charges through public summons and is a responsible individual who will comply with the court’s conditions,” Daudu said.

However, EFCC lawyer Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) argued that the application was flawed, having been filed before the arraignment, which violated the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Pinheiro urged the court to dismiss the application based on its invalid timing.

Meanwhile, the second defendant in the case, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the amount of N300 million with two sureties. The court stipulated that the sureties must own properties in the Maitama area of Abuja worth at least the bail amount and submit original title documents to the court. Oricha was also required to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until the bail conditions were fully met.