This decision follows a previous ruling on December 10, when Justice Anenih had rejected the ex-governor’s bail application, deeming it premature.
She had stated that the application was filed at a time when the first defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, rendering the application incompetent.
However, the judge allowed the option for the defense to file a fresh bail application and request a hearing date.
Read Also: Yahaya Bello Speaks On Alleged Threat He Made To Tinubu
The former governor is facing charges related to alleged money laundering totaling N110 billion, alongside two other individuals.
He has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the proceedings, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that they had filed a further affidavit in response to a counter affidavit from the prosecution.
However, Daudu sought to withdraw the affidavit, explaining, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.” There was no objection from the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, and the court granted the request, striking out the further affidavit.
Daudu also mentioned that discussions had been held with the prosecution team, resulting in an agreement to ensure a swift trial. In light of this, he urged the court to grant the bail application.
Additionally, Daudu requested that if bail was granted to Bello, the court should consider reviewing the bail conditions for all three defendants.
He proposed expanding the acceptable locations for bail sureties to include properties across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), instead of limiting them to Maitama alone.
Prosecution counsel, Enitan, confirmed that the prosecution had been in discussions with the defense and assured the court of their cooperation in expediting the trial, in line with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).
No Comments