The Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in the Maitama District, Abuja, has ordered former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for December 10, 2024.
Justice Maryan Anenih issued the order on Wednesday, after hearing arguments on Bello’s bail application, which was filed by his lawyer, shortly after the former governor and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of money fraud filed by the EFCC.
Bello, along with two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are charged with money laundering on 16 counts totaling N110,446,470,89.00. He had gone underground following the EFCC’s botched effort to arrest him at his Abuja apartment in April.
However, Bello formally surrendered to the EFCC on Tuesday, and was held in custody on accusations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of fraudulently obtained property.
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During Wednesday’s trial, Bello and his co-defendants refuted the accusations made against them by the anti-graft agency as they appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih.
After EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro opposed Bello’s bail application, his attorney, Joseph Daudu made arguments in favour of the bail application, stating that “the defendant’s appearance in court today demonstrates his respect for the law, and exhibit A, which is the public summons is very vital.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial. The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to take his plea. The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court.”
The decision regarding the bail application has been postponed until December 10 by Justice Anenih. The former governor was also placed under EFCC custody until the court makes its decision on his bail request.
