A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama on Tuesday ordered the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to be remanded in Kuje prison pending his trial.
Justice Maryann Anenih issued the order after adjourning the case until February 25, 2025.
READ ALSO: High Court denies Yahaya Bello bail
The decision came as the court dismissed Bello’s bail application, describing it as “premature and incompetent.”
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged involvement in a N110 billion fraud. He is facing a 16-count charge alongside two former Kogi State officials—Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu-who are the 2nd and 3rd defendants.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih noted that Bello’s bail application, filed on November 22, was submitted days before he was taken into EFCC custody. The judge said, “A bail application is filed to challenge the detention of a defendant. Filing it prematurely means the application lacks merit.”
However, the court admitted the 2nd and 3rd defendants to bail in the sum of N300 million each, with two sureties in like sum. Their travel documents were also seized as part of the bail conditions.
The EFCC, through its lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed Bello’s bail, arguing that he had previously evaded efforts to bring him to court. The agency accused the former governor of obstructing legal proceedings, including failing to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for another case.
Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, maintained that his client was innocent and argued that detaining him would hinder his ability to prepare for trial. He added that the former governor is protected by the presumption of innocence under the law.
The EFCC’s charges against Bello and his co-defendants include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained properties. Some of the listed properties allegedly acquired with stolen state funds include:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million)
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja (N100 million)
- Hotel Apartment Community in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5.69 million dirhams).
The prosecution further accused the defendants of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment on November 27. The case continues in February 2025.
