Court Denies Bail To Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has dismissed a bail application by Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, citing procedural irregularities.

The court ruled that the application was filed prematurely, as Bello had not yet been taken into custody or appeared before the court at the time of submission.

Bello is being prosecuted alongside two others for alleged money laundering involving N110 billion, a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the bail application, Bello’s counsel, JB Daudu (SAN), argued that his client, a former two-term governor, posed no risk of absconding or interfering with witnesses. However, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, described the application as “grossly incompetent” due to its submission before Bello’s arraignment.

The court observed that Bello’s application, filed on November 22, predated his custody on November 26 and arraignment on November 27.

Justice Anenih reiterated that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), bail applications must follow arrest, detention, arraignment, or court appearance.

In a related development, the court granted bail to the second defendant, Umar Oricha, on stringent conditions. Oricha was granted bail of N300 million, requiring two sureties with properties in Maitama, Abuja, and the submission of travel documents. He will remain in custody until all conditions are met.