Court Rejects Bail Application of Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Over Procedural Irregularities
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A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in the filing. Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the application was premature, as it had been submitted before Bello was physically present in court or in custody.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih 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 other individuals, faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N110 billion money laundering case. The court noted that the bail application, dated November 22, was submitted before Bello’s arraignment, which occurred on November 27, after he had been taken into custody on November 26.
Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), argued that his client, a former two-term governor, posed no flight risk and would not interfere with witnesses. He also assured the court that Bello would comply with any conditions set for bail. “The first defendant became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court,” Daudu said.
However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the application, asserting that it was filed in violation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which mandates that bail applications be made after an arraignment. Pinheiro argued that the premature filing made the application invalid and urged the court to dismiss it.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties. The court specified that the sureties must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district, valued at no less than the bail amount, and submit original title documents. Additionally, the sureties were required to provide affidavits of means and copies of their international passports.
Oricha was also ordered to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions were met.
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