The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, alongside two others, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday.
The charges were read out before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, where Bello, the first defendant, firmly denied the allegations.
Following their plea, Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, moved a formal application for bail. However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the request, arguing that the application had expired in October. Daudu clarified that the valid motion before the court, filed on November 22, was specifically for the first defendant’s bail.
He further emphasized that the application was supported by a detailed affidavit and written address, adding, "Exhibit A, the public summons, demonstrates my client’s respect for the law as evidenced by his appearance in court."
The EFCC expressed readiness to begin trial immediately and intended to call its first witness. However, Daudu objected, noting that his team had only received the charges late on November 26 and required adequate time to prepare.
In addressing the bail application, Daudu argued that Nigerian law presumes a defendant’s innocence until proven guilty. He stated, "It is within my client’s rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for his defense."
Responding to the prosecution's objection, Daudu pointed out that the EFCC had introduced issues related to another case at the Federal High Court. He argued, "The court should not rely on proceedings from another jurisdiction to decide matters before this court."
He further clarified that when a court's jurisdiction is challenged, a defendant is not obligated to appear until the issue of jurisdiction is resolved.
Pinheiro, representing the EFCC, countered the arguments, stating that the prosecution’s objection to the bail was based on three grounds: the application’s competence, the factual content presented, and adherence to judicial principles.
Notably, the two co-defendants, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, had been granted administrative bail earlier by the EFCC, while this marked Bello’s first appearance in court.
The court adjourned for further hearings.
