Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has scheduled December 10, 2024, to deliver a ruling on the bail applications of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants.
The decision was made after arguments were presented by Bello’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu, SAN, and the prosecution’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.
Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday. The charges, read by the court registrar, were strongly denied by the former governor, who is the first defendant.
Following their plea, Daudu moved an application for bail, citing the defendant's right to liberty while preparing for trial. He emphasized that the bail application, filed on November 22, was supported by an affidavit and written address. Daudu also pointed to Exhibit A, a public summons, as evidence of Bello's respect for the law, given his voluntary appearance in court.
The EFCC, however, opposed the bail application, with Pinheiro arguing that it had expired in October and contending that the defendant might interfere with the trial process. Pinheiro also noted that Bello is facing other charges at the Federal High Court.
Responding, Daudu countered that objections related to cases in other courts should not influence proceedings in the FCT High Court. He also argued that the EFCC's counter affidavit failed to substantiate claims of habitual offenses or potential interference.
After a short recess, the court heard further arguments regarding the second defendant, who is reportedly still serving as Director-General of the Kogi State Government House. Pinheiro opposed his bail, suggesting a risk of repeated offenses. However, Daudu refuted this, stating the prosecution failed to provide evidence of any additional wrongdoing.
Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to December 10 for a ruling and ordered that all three defendants remain in EFCC custody until then.
It is worth noting that while Bello is appearing in court for the first time, two co-defendants, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
