A Federal Capital Territory High Court has rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in the filing process.
Justice Maryanne Anenih, in her ruling, declared the application premature, as it was submitted before Bello's arraignment or his being placed in custody. She stated, "Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent. Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused."
Bello, along with two others, is facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to an alleged ₦110 billion money laundering scheme.
The court noted that the bail application, dated November 22, preceded Bello’s arraignment on November 27, which followed his detention on November 26.
Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), argued for bail, emphasizing that his client, a two-term governor, would neither jump bail nor interfere with witnesses. However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that filing the application before arraignment violated the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, rendering it invalid.
While Bello's bail was denied, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail of ₦300 million with stringent conditions. The sureties must own properties in Abuja's Maitama district valued at the bail bond and submit original title documents and international passports to the court.
Oricha was ordered to remain in custody until all bail conditions are met. The case continues to garner significant public and legal interest.
