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BREAKING: Court Denies Bail To Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello In Corruption Case
In her decision, Justice Anenih stated that the application was filed when the defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, rendering it incompetent.
Abuja, Nigeria- A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied the application for bail by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who faces charges of corruption and financial mismanagement of over N110 billion during his tenure.
The court ruled on Tuesday citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that the defendant may attempt to interfere with ongoing investigations.
Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2023, is accused of diverting state funds and misappropriating public resources.
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has denied a bail application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, ruling that it was premature.
In her decision, Justice Anenih stated that the application was filed when the defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, rendering it incompetent.
Bello is facing trial alongside two others on charges of alleged money laundering totaling N110 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the hearing, the judge outlined the details of the motion filed on November 22, where the first defendant sought bail pending the resolution of the charges.
Bello’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) JB Daudu, argued that sufficient grounds had been provided for bail and urged the court to use its discretion to grant it.
In contrast, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro contended that the application was filed prematurely, as it was submitted before the defendant’s arraignment.
Bello’s defense team disagreed, asserting there was no legal restriction on filing the application before arraignment.
Justice Anenih emphasized that, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a bail application may only be made after a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.
Bello had filed his application on November 22 but was not taken into custody until November 26 and was arraigned on November 27.
Regarding the second defendant, Umar Oricha, the court granted bail in the sum of N300 million, with two sureties required.
The sureties must own property in Maitama valued at no less than the bond amount and must deposit their original title documents.
Meanwhile, the sureties must provide an affidavit of means and submit copies of their passports. Oricha is also required to deposit his travel documents and be remanded in prison custody.
