By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has declined a bail application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, citing that the application was submitted prematurely.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih stated that the bail application, filed on November 22, 2024, was “incompetent” as it was made when Bello was neither in custody nor arraigned before the court.
Bello is facing trial alongside two others on allegations of laundering N110 billion, a charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During arguments, Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, emphasizing that his client, a two-term governor, would not interfere with witnesses or abscond if released. “The defendant has submitted sufficient facts to warrant bail. We urge the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously,” Daudu argued.
However, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the motion, describing it as “grossly incompetent” since it was filed before Bello’s arraignment. Pinheiro argued that bail applications must follow an arraignment, a stance contested by Bello’s legal team.
Justice Anenih, referencing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), ruled that the law allows for bail applications only after a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or presented before the court. “The instant application was filed on November 22, while the 1st defendant was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27. Therefore, the application was premature and incompetent,” she stated.
The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing trial of the former governor, whose alleged involvement in the high-profile financial crime has drawn national attention.
