Yahaya Bello is facing trial alongside two others in a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N110 billion money laundering charges.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has dismissed a bail application filed by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, on grounds that it was filed prematurely.
Justice Maryann Anenih, who presided over the case, ruled on Tuesday that the application was incompetent as it was submitted before Bello was taken into custody or arraigned.
Bello is facing trial alongside two others in a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N110 billion money laundering charges.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Anenih stated, “The instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.” She explained that the motion, dated and filed on November 22, preceded Bello’s detention on November 26 and arraignment on November 27, rendering it inadmissible under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
During the proceedings, Bello’s counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, argued that sufficient facts had been presented to warrant granting bail, emphasizing that his client, a two-term governor, would neither interfere with witnesses nor abscond. He urged the court to exercise its discretion in Bello’s favor.
However, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, countered, describing the application as “grossly incompetent” for being filed before arraignment. He argued that under the ACJA, a bail application could only be filed after the defendant’s detention or appearance before the court.
Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s argument, citing the ACJA’s stipulation that bail applications must be made after a defendant’s arrest, detention, or arraignment.
Meanwhile, the court granted bail to the second defendant, Umar Oricha, in the sum of N300 million. Oricha is required to provide two sureties with properties in Abuja’s Maitama District. The court ordered that Oricha remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met and prohibited him from traveling without prior approval.
Bello and his co-defendants are expected to return to court for further proceedings in the ongoing case.
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