Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court also adjourned until December 10, 2024, to rule on his bail application.
Bello, alongside two others, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing 16 charges brought by the EFCC. The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
Justice Anenih set the adjournment date after hearing arguments from Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, who urged the court to grant bail, and EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, who opposed the request, citing concerns over the defendant’s past conduct.
Bello’s counsel argued that the bail application, filed on November 22, was valid and emphasized his client’s respect for the law, demonstrated by his voluntary court appearance. He further highlighted the constitutional principle that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The EFCC, however, argued that Bello’s history of evading court appearances suggested a risk of non-compliance with bail conditions.
Bello’s court appearance marked his first plea-taking session in the N110.4 billion case filed against him. Previously, he faced another N84 billion charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Despite being scheduled for arraignment since April, he only appeared before the EFCC on Tuesday.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro objected to the bail application, citing potential risks of repeat offences. The prosecution pointed to Bello’s alleged misuse of public funds, listing properties acquired with state funds, 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)
The EFCC also accused Bello and his co-defendants of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the U.S. and possessing funds linked to Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. However, Pinheiro argued against bail for Hudu, stating his role as Director-General of the Kogi State Government House presented a likelihood of reoffending.
Justice Anenih, after hearing submissions from both sides, adjourned the ruling on the bail application to December 10. She directed that Bello and his co-defendants remain in EFCC custody until then.
