The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre while awaiting a decision on his bail application.
The court adjourned the case to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further proceedings.
Justice Maryann Anenih rejected the bail application filed by Bello, stating it had been submitted prematurely.
The ex-governor is facing trial, along with two co-defendants, on allegations of money laundering involving over N110 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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During the court hearing on the bail application, the judge noted that Bello had filed the motion on November 22, seeking release on bail pending the resolution of the charges.
His counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria JB Daudu, argued that Bello had presented sufficient grounds for bail, emphasizing that the former governor, as a two-term governor of Kogi State, would not interfere with witnesses or flee if granted bail.
However, the prosecution, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, arguing that it was premature as it had been filed before the arraignment.
Pinheiro contended that bail applications should be made after a defendant’s arraignment. In response, Daudu argued there was no legal requirement for waiting until after arraignment.
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Justice Anenih ruled that the bail application had been filed on November 22, days before Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and formally arraigned on November 27.
Referring to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the judge pointed out that a bail application can only be made after the defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.
In the same case, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the amount of N300 million, subject to two sureties.
The sureties must each own property in Maitama valued at no less than the bond sum and deposit the original title documents with the court.
Additionally, the sureties must submit an affidavit of means, and copies of their passports must be provided.
Oricha is also required to surrender his travel documents and remain in custody until he meets the bail conditions.
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