The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama to deny bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is facing a 16-count charge of corruption and fraud.
Represented by a team of lawyers led by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the EFCC argued that Bello, who is also facing another corruption charge at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, has a history of evading trial.
Bello, alongside his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
His legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Joseph Daudu, SAN, filed a bail application on November 22, emphasizing that the former governor enjoys a presumption of innocence under the law.
Defense Arguments for Bail
Daudu argued that granting bail would enable Bello to adequately prepare his defense, adding that the EFCC’s claims regarding other cases should not influence the court’s decision in this matter.
He informed the court that Bello was only served with the charges late at night on November 26 but still appeared in court in compliance with the summons issued against him.
EFCC’s Opposition
The EFCC opposed the bail application, describing it as premature and procedurally flawed since it was filed before the defendants were formally arraigned.
“This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants. It is only after arraignment that the bail application can arise and be heard,” Pinheiro argued, urging the court to reject the application.
The prosecution also expressed readiness to open its case, with witnesses already present in court.
However, this move was contested by the defense counsel, who sought more time for preparation.
Allegations Against Bello and Co-Defendants
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants, marked CR/7781, include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
The EFCC alleged that Bello misappropriated ₦110 billion of Kogi State funds to acquire numerous properties, including:
- ₦950 million property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja.
- ₦100 million property at No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja.
- ₦920 million property at No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
- Other properties in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and a hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai.
The defendants were also accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and of possessing funds totaling ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited, allegedly stolen from the Kogi State treasury.
Court Proceedings
After listening to arguments from both parties, trial Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case for further proceedings.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges when read to them in court.
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