The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih, who presided over the case, adjourned the hearing of the N110 billion money laundering charges brought against Bello and two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to January 29 and 30, as well as February 25 and 27, 2027.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih rejected a bail application filed on behalf of Bello, stating that it was filed prematurely.
The judge noted that the application was incompetent because it was filed before Bello was in custody or brought before the court.
“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih ruled.
Arguments for and Against Bail
Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, had argued that his client, a two-term governor of Kogi State, would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail if granted.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion to grant bail judicially and judiciously.
The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the application, describing it as grossly incompetent because it was filed before Bello’s arraignment.
Pinheiro contended that the law allows a bail application only after a defendant has been arraigned or brought before the court.
Justice Anenih, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), upheld the prosecution’s position, stating that the bail application, dated November 22, 2024, was filed before Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27.
Bail Conditions for Co-Defendants
The court, however, granted bail to the 2nd defendant, Umar Oricha, and the 3rd defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, on stringent conditions.
Each was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties who must own properties within the Maitama District of Abuja.
The judge directed that the defendants deposit their international passports with the Court Registrar and prohibited them from traveling outside the country without the court’s permission.
Both Oricha and Hudu will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until they fulfill their bail conditions.
Background
The EFCC is prosecuting Bello and his co-defendants over alleged involvement in a N110 billion money laundering scheme.
The case continues on the adjourned dates for further hearing.
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