The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama on Wednesday has ordered the remand of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Trial Justice Maryann Anenih directed that Bello and his two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, remain in EFCC custody until December 10, when the court will rule on their bail applications.
This directive followed the defendants’ plea of not guilty to a 16-count filed against them by the EFCC. The charges encompass conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property, involving an alleged misappropriation of N110 billion from the Kogi State treasury.
EFCC Opposes Bail
The EFCC, represented by a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro, urged the court to deny bail to Bello. They argued that the former governor had consistently failed to make himself available for trial in a separate corruption case pending before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
“This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants,” Pinheiro stated. “It is only after arraignment that the bail application can arise and be heard. The application is premature, hasty, and contradicts the meaning of bail.”
Pinheiro further informed the court that witnesses for the case were ready to testify and requested permission for the EFCC to open its case immediately.
Defence Counters EFCC’s Claims
Bello’s legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association President Joseph Daudu, SAN, contested the EFCC’s position, arguing that the former governor deserved bail based on the presumption of innocence.
“In line with the law, my client is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Daudu argued. “Granting him bail will enable him to effectively prepare his defence.”
Daudu also emphasised that Bello’s presence in court demonstrated his compliance with the summons issued to him, adding that the charge sheet was only served to his client late on Tuesday, November 26.
He urged the court to disregard the EFCC’s references to unrelated cases involving the former governor and instead focus on the current matter before the court.
Allegations Against the Defendants
The EFCC accused Bello of misappropriating state funds to acquire several properties, including:
– No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million).
– No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja**
(N100 million).
– No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).
– Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million).
– Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5.69 million dirhams).
– Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million).
– No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
The Commission also alleged that Bello transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and received N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Court Awaits Bail Decision
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail applications on December 10. The trial continues with further proceedings expected to address the weighty allegations against the former governor and his co-defendants.
