Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The decision followed Bello’s arraignment alongside two co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, on charges related to conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of illicitly obtained properties.
The case, involving 16 counts brought by the EFCC, centers on allegations of financial mismanagement during Bello’s tenure as governor. After listening to arguments for and against bail, Justice Anenih announced that a ruling on Bello’s bail application would be delivered on December 10, 2024.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bello, who had evaded an earlier arraignment since April, finally presented himself to the EFCC on Tuesday. This marked his first formal court appearance regarding allegations of misusing over ₦110 billion in public funds.
Defense counsel Joseph Daudu argued in favor of bail, citing Bello’s respect for the law and adherence to a public summons. “The law states that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty,” Daudu emphasized. He also maintained that the charges brought by the EFCC should not influence unrelated legal matters at the Federal High Court.
Prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro countered, questioning the validity and timing of the bail application. Pinheiro further opposed bail for the second defendant, citing the risk of reoffending due to his current government role.
The EFCC alleged that Bello and his co-accused misused state funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, including a residence on Danube Street worth ₦950 million, as well as transferring substantial sums to overseas accounts.
While awaiting the December 10 ruling, Justice Anenih ordered all three defendants to remain in EFCC custody. Co-defendants Oricha and Hudu had previously been granted administrative bail by the commission.
