By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until December 10 to rule on the bail application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants in an ongoing N110 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge of alleged corruption and misappropriation of funds. The trio, arraigned as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants respectively, pleaded not guilty to all charges before Justice Maryanne Anenih on Tuesday.
Bail Application and Opposition
After the defendants entered their pleas, Joseph Daudu, counsel to Bello, moved an application for bail. He emphasized that the motion, filed on November 22, was valid and supported by a detailed affidavit and written address.
However, Kemi Pinheiro, counsel for the EFCC, opposed the bail application, asserting that it had expired in October. Daudu refuted the claim, clarifying that the only application currently before the court pertained to Bello and was filed within the appropriate timeline.
Defendants Remanded
Justice Anenih ordered the remand of the defendants in EFCC custody pending the court’s decision on their bail application.
Allegations Against Bello
The EFCC’s 16-count charge against Bello and his co-defendants involves allegations of fraud amounting to N110 billion during his tenure as Kogi State governor. Bello has consistently denied the charges, maintaining his innocence.
The case underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption involving public officials, with the next court session set to determine whether the defendants will be granted bail as they await trial.
