Yahaya Bello To Remain In EFCC Custody As Court Adjourns Bail Application Ruling To December 10

By Joshua Omoniyi 

Abuja, Nigeria - In a significant development, the Federal Capital Territory High Court has adjourned the ruling on the bail applications of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others to December 10, 2024.

Justice Maryann Anenih made this decision following arguments presented by Bello's lawyer, Joseph Bodunde Dauda, SAN, and the prosecution's counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

Bello, who is the first defendant, alongside the two co-defendants, pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). After the plea, Bello's counsel moved an application for bail, which was opposed by the EFCC on the grounds that it had expired in October. However, Bello's lawyer clarified that the motion for bail was filed on November 22, and the court was only considering this recent application.

The EFCC had sought for the trial to begin immediately, but Bello's legal team argued that they had been served the charge late on November 26, leaving insufficient time to prepare. In his submissions, Dauda emphasized that Bello was entitled to his liberty while preparing for trial and that his right to bail should not be compromised by matters from other courts.

The prosecution also opposed bail for the second defendant, a serving government official, citing the possibility of him committing similar offences while on bail. The defence countered this, stating that the prosecution's arguments were speculative and lacked merit.

After a brief recess, Justice Anenih adjourned the ruling on the bail applications to December 10, ordering that the three defendants remain in EFCC custody in the meantime.

This latest development comes as the former Kogi State governor faces charges of alleged money laundering amounting to over N110 billion. The case has garnered significant attention, with the EFCC determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The adjournment of the bail application ruling to December 10 means that Bello and his co-defendants will remain in EFCC custody until the court makes its decision on their release. The legal battle is set to continue, with both sides gearing up for the next round of arguments in this high-profile case.