Yahaya Bello Remanded in EFCC Custody, Court to Rule on Bail Request in December

On Wednesday, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordered the detention of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court also adjourned the case until December 10, 2024, for a ruling on his bail application.

Bello, along with two co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing 16 charges filed by the EFCC. During the proceedings, the judge took arguments from both sides regarding Bello’s bail request. His defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, and the prosecution, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, made their submissions before the court.

The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bello, who had been scheduled for arraignment in April, voluntarily appeared before the EFCC on Tuesday.

Before his arraignment on the N110.4 billion charges in this court, Bello was also expected to face charges of N84 billion before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Wednesday’s court appearance marked his first plea hearing for the charges.

Following the plea, Daudu filed a motion for bail, which was opposed by the EFCC. Pinheiro argued that the motion had expired in October, but Daudu clarified that the bail application currently before the court was filed on November 22 and was supported by written submissions. He emphasized that Bello’s voluntary court appearance demonstrated his respect for the legal process, asserting that he was presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Daudu further contested the EFCC’s objection, pointing out that issues in the Federal High Court case should not affect the FCT High Court proceedings. He added that the defendant has the right to liberty while preparing for trial and should not be denied bail based on a case in another court.

In response, Pinheiro raised concerns about the potential flight risk of the second defendant, who continues to hold a government position as the Director-General of the Kogi State Government House. Daudu countered that the prosecution’s claims were speculative, urging the court to dismiss the objections.

After a brief recess, Justice Anenih decided to adjourn the bail ruling until December 10. The three defendants will remain in EFCC custody until then.

Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. The charges against the defendants include misappropriating state funds to acquire properties worth millions, transferring large sums of money to a bank in the United States, and possessing unlawfully obtained assets, including a significant amount of N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited. They face accusations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of illicit property.