The Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih declined Bello’s initial bail application, ruling that it was filed prematurely as it preceded his detention or court appearance. She adjourned further hearings on the N110 billion money laundering case, brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to January 29 and 30 and February 25 and 27, 2027.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Anenih explained that the bail application filed on November 22, 2024, was procedurally flawed. “The application, having been filed before the 1st defendant was in custody or arraigned, is hereby refused,” she stated.
Bello, who served as Kogi State governor for two terms, is standing trial alongside two co-defendants on allegations of laundering N110 billion. While arguing for bail, Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, had emphasized his client’s willingness to comply with court directives and not interfere with witnesses. However, the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, contended that the application was invalid as it was filed before Bello’s arraignment.
Justice Anenih ruled that, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a bail application could only be made after a defendant’s arrest, detention, or court appearance. Bello was taken into custody on November 26, 2024, and arraigned a day later.
Meanwhile, the court granted bail to the second and third defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, under strict conditions. Each was required to provide a bond of N300 million and two sureties owning property within Maitama District, Abuja. The defendants must also surrender their international passports to the court and remain in custody until their bail conditions are met.
The case is scheduled for continuation in early 2027.
