A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has denied bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has been in detention since November 25. The ruling, delivered by Justice Maryann Anenih, dismissed Bello’s bail application, describing it as premature and incompetent.
Justice Anenih noted that Bello filed his bail application before surrendering himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which undermined the legal basis for the request. She emphasized that bail applications are meant to challenge a defendant’s detention and questioned why the former governor initiated the process when he was not in custody.
The court concluded that Bello’s actions attempted to invoke its jurisdiction prematurely. Consequently, the bail application was denied. Meanwhile, the second defendant in the case, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties, while the decision on the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, is still pending.
Yahaya Bello, who served as Kogi State Governor from 2016 to 2024, is facing a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC. The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property, with the alleged fraud amounting to N110 billion. The other defendants in the case are Oricha and Hudu, who were officials of the Kogi State government during Bello’s administration.
At their arraignment on November 27, all three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Anenih ordered their remand in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail applications.
Read Also: VP Shettima criticizes UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch over remarks about Nigeria
In response, Bello’s legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association President Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that their client enjoys the presumption of innocence and needs to prepare an effective defense. They dismissed EFCC’s claims that Bello refused to submit himself for trial.
The charges against Bello allege he misused state funds to acquire several high-value properties, including luxury real estate in Abuja, Dubai, and other locations. The properties reportedly purchased with stolen funds include a house on Danube Street, Maitama, valued at N950 million, and another in Asokoro, worth N920 million. Additionally, the EFCC accuses the defendants of transferring substantial sums, including $570,330 and $556,265, to a U.S. bank account and acquiring N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The case has sparked widespread public interest, with many viewing it as a litmus test for Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption. The trial is set to continue, with the court expected to address pending matters related to the case.
