The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, on Wednesday ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryann Anenih directed that Bello remain in custody alongside his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pending a ruling on their bail application scheduled for December 10.
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello in EFCC custody
The defendants pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC, which alleges their involvement in a N110 billion fraud scheme. The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
EFCC opposes bail application
The EFCC, represented by its lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued against granting bail to Bello, citing his previous failure to appear in court for another pending case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Pinheiro stated, “The application is premature, hasty, and contradicts the meaning of bail, as it was filed before the defendants were arraigned.”
The prosecution also informed the court that witnesses were ready to testify and requested immediate commencement of the trial.
Defence claims presumption of innocence
In contrast, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), contended that his client is entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law. He emphasized that the former governor’s appearance in court was in compliance with a summons and requested bail to allow Bello adequate time to prepare his defence.
Daudu also argued that the EFCC’s objections to bail were based on a separate matter unrelated to the current charges.
Allegations of misappropriation
The EFCC accused Bello of using state funds to acquire several properties, including high-value real estate in Abuja, such as No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District (N950 million), No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro (N920 million), and others. The charges also involve alleged international transfers of $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the USA.
The court proceedings saw the defence opposing the EFCC’s bid to commence the trial immediately, with the judge adjourning the case for a ruling on the bail application.
