Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bail Application

A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing procedural flaws in the filing process. Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the application was premature, as it had been submitted before Bello was either in court or in custody.

The judge explained that the application, which was filed before Bello’s arraignment on November 27, was deemed incompetent because it was submitted on November 22, days before he was taken into custody on November 26.

“Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent. Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”Justice Anenih stated.

Bello is facing charges of money laundering amounting to N110 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside two other defendants. The court noted that the timing of the bail request did not comply with the procedural requirements of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), argued for the application, asserting that the former governor, a two-term Kogi State leader, would not interfere with witnesses or flee.

However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the application, stating that it was invalid due to being filed before the arraignment, urging the court to reject it.

Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million, with two sureties required to submit properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail bond. The sureties must also provide affidavits of means and international passports. Oricha is required to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions are fulfilled.