On Tuesday, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, directed the remand of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello to the Kuje Correctional Centre. Bello, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge related to alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to ₦110.4 billion.
Justice MaryAnne Anenih denied Bello’s bail application, describing it as both premature and procedurally flawed. She pointed out that Bello’s bail request, filed on November 22, preceded his arraignment on November 27, rendering the application invalid.
“Since the application was not submitted when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, it is deemed incompetent,” Justice Anenih ruled. “Accordingly, the application is dismissed for being prematurely filed.”
The court adjourned the case until January 29 and 30, 2025, raising the likelihood that Bello will spend the holiday season in detention. After evading arrest for months, Bello voluntarily surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 26 and was arraigned the following day.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Bello’s lawyer, Jacob Daudu (SAN), argued for his release, citing his role as a former two-term governor and asserting that he posed no flight risk or threat to witnesses. However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the application, arguing that it contravened the Administration of Criminal Justice Act since it was filed before Bello’s arraignment.
Justice Anenih upheld the EFCC’s objection and rejected Bello’s bail request. Meanwhile, the court granted bail to the second and third defendants, Oricha and Hudu, with conditions set at ₦300 million each, alongside two sureties of equivalent worth. The sureties must own property within Maitama, Abuja, valued at no less than the bail amount, submit original title documents, and provide affidavits of means and passport copies. Both defendants are to remain in custody until these conditions are met.
The defense team has indicated plans to file a new bail application soon. Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), one of Bello’s lawyers, stated that the application would be submitted “tomorrow, God willing.” The case will resume in late January for further proceedings.
