Court Remands Yahaya Bello in EFCC Custody, Adjourns Bail Ruling to December 10
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court also adjourned until December 10, 2024, to rule on his bail application.
Bello, alongside co-defendants Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces 16 counts brought against them by the EFCC. They are accused of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
During the proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them. Following this, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, moved a bail application, which was opposed by EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro. Pinheiro argued that the application had expired in October, but Daudu clarified that the application under consideration was filed on November 22, and emphasized Bello’s respect for the law, citing his appearance in court as proof of this.
Daudu further argued that under Nigerian law, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty and should be granted bail to prepare for trial. He contended that the prosecution’s objections were based on a case at the Federal High Court, which was unrelated to the current proceedings before the FCT High Court. Daudu also pointed out that Bello’s rights should not be affected by issues in another jurisdiction.
In response, the EFCC counsel raised further objections, arguing that since Oricha, one of the co-defendants, was still a serving government official, there was a risk he might commit similar offences if granted bail.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Anenih adjourned the ruling on Bello’s bail application to December 10, 2024, and ordered that the three defendants remain in EFCC custody until then.
While Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, the charge against them accuses them of misappropriating state funds to acquire multiple properties, including in high-value locations in Abuja. Additionally, they are accused of transferring large sums of money, including over $570,000, to TD Bank in the United States.
The case has drawn significant attention, particularly due to the size of the alleged misappropriation, including a reported N110.4 billion in state funds. The EFCC is expected to continue its investigation into the alleged fraud and unlawful possession of assets.
