The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday declined the bail application of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, ruling that the application was prematurely filed.
Justice Maryann Anenih, delivering the verdict, stated that the application was filed before the defendant was taken into custody or brought before the court, rendering it incompetent. “The application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” the judge ruled.
Bello is currently facing trial alongside two others on allegations of laundering N110 billion, brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former governor’s counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, argued that Bello deserved bail, assuring the court that his client would not interfere with witnesses or abscond if released. However, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, countered that the application was incompetent, as it was filed before the arraignment.
Justice Anenih cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which permit bail applications only after a defendant is arrested, detained, or arraigned. Bello filed his application on November 22, but was only taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27.
Meanwhile, the 2nd defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail of N300 million with two sureties, subject to stringent conditions, including restrictions on travel without court approval. Oricha will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail terms are fulfilled.
