A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has declined the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, due to procedural issues. Bello is facing charges of alleged involvement in a N110 billion money laundering scheme, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryanne Anenih, presiding over the case, ruled on Tuesday that Bello’s bail application was “incompetent” because it was submitted before he was officially arraigned or in custody.
She 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.”
According to court records, Bello’s application, dated November 22, was filed before his formal arraignment on November 27. He had been taken into custody a day earlier, on November 26.
Bello’s legal representative, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider his client’s reputation as a two-term governor, asserting that he would not abscond or interfere with the judicial process.
Daudu stated, “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.”
However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the motion, highlighting its non-compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Pinheiro argued that the timing rendered the application invalid and requested its dismissal.
Meanwhile, the second defendant in the case, Umar Oricha, was granted bail under strict conditions. The court set his bail at N300 million with two sureties who must own property in Abuja’s Maitama district, valued at no less than the bail bond. The court also mandated the submission of original title documents, affidavits of means, and international passports from the sureties.
Oricha himself is required to surrender his travel documents and will remain in custody until all conditions are satisfied.
