Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has remanded Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, to the Kuje Correctional Centre. This decision came after the court refused to grant his bail application, citing procedural irregularities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Bello and two others with a N110 billion money laundering offense. The case, which has garnered significant public attention, will proceed with hearings scheduled for January 29, 30, and February 25, 27, 2024.
Justice Anenih denied Bello’s bail application on the grounds that it was filed prematurely. According to the court, the application—dated November 22—was submitted when Bello was neither in custody nor arraigned before the court. This procedural misstep rendered the application “incompetent,” according to the judge’s ruling.
Delivering her decision, Justice Anenih stated: “The provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) stipulates that a bail application can only be made when a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.”
Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27, making his initial bail application invalid under Nigerian legal standards.
READ ALSO: Syrian Rebels Appoints Mohammad Al-Bashir as Head of Transitional Government in Damascus
The defense counsel, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, argued that Bello, as a two-term governor, was unlikely to interfere with witnesses or abscond if granted bail. Daudu urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously, emphasizing that the former governor had shown good faith by responding to the summons.
On the other hand, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the bail application, describing it as “grossly incompetent” since it was filed before Bello’s arraignment. He maintained that the proper legal procedure was not followed, and the court could not overlook such a fundamental flaw.
While the former governor remains in custody, his two co-defendants—Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu—were granted bail under strict conditions.
Oricha was granted bail in the sum of N300 million, with two sureties who must own property within the Maitama District of the FCT.
READ ALSO: Russian Lawmaker Calls for Creation of National Bitcoin Strategic Reserve
Similarly, Hudu received the same bail terms. Both defendants are required to deposit their passports with the court registrar and are prohibited from traveling outside the court’s jurisdiction without permission.
Justice Anenih emphasized that each surety must stand for only one defendant, ensuring the conditions are tightly monitored.
This case underscores the complexities of Nigeria’s legal system and the emphasis on adhering to procedural norms. With hearings slated for early 2024, the spotlight will remain on the former governor as the court determines the merits of the EFCC’s allegations.
For Yahaya Bello, his time in Kuje Correctional Centre represents a sharp turn in his political journey, transitioning from a two-term governor to a defendant facing serious criminal charges.