By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application. Justice Maryann Anenih issued the ruling on Tuesday, adjourning the N110 billion money laundering case brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to January 29, 30, and February 25 and 27, 2024, for hearing.
Bail Application Declined
The court refused an initial bail application by Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), citing procedural irregularities. Justice Anenih ruled that the application, filed on November 22, was premature as it preceded Bello’s arraignment.
“Having been filed when the defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, the application is incompetent,” Justice Anenih stated.
The former governor, who is facing charges alongside two others, was taken into custody on November 26 and formally arraigned on November 27.
Courtroom Arguments
Bello’s legal team argued that their client, as a two-term governor, posed no flight risk and would not interfere with witnesses if granted bail. They urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously.
However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the bail request, contending that the application violated legal procedures. He argued that a bail application should only be filed after arraignment, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s argument, noting that the ACJA stipulates that a bail application is valid only when a defendant has been arrested, detained, or brought before the court.
Timeline of Events
November 22, 2024: Bello’s legal team filed a bail application.
November 26, 2024: Bello was taken into EFCC custody.
November 27, 2024: Bello was formally arraigned before the court.
Next Steps
The case is scheduled for further hearings in early 2024, while Bello remains in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre. The court is expected to revisit his bail application during subsequent proceedings.
The EFCC alleges that Bello and his co-defendants engaged in money laundering schemes amounting to ₦110 billion during his tenure as governor, charges the defendants have denied.
