Court Denies Bail To Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello As EFCC Moves To Detain Him

Court Denies Bail To Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello As EFCC Moves To Detain HimThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in a corruption case involving a N110 billion fraud. The EFCC, represented by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama to reject the request, citing concerns about Bello’s consistent avoidance of court appearances in a separate corruption matter currently being tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Bello, along with co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The former governor pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In response to the bail application filed by Bello’s legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, the EFCC argued that the request was premature. Pinheiro noted that bail applications are typically heard after formal arraignment, which had just taken place. He added that the defendants’ charges had only been served recently and the court had just assumed jurisdiction.

Daudu, however, contended that Bello should be granted bail, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He argued that allowing bail would give Bello the opportunity to adequately prepare his defense, and assured the court that his client had complied with all court summonses.

The EFCC has accused Bello of using state funds to acquire multiple properties, including luxury real estate in Abuja and Dubai. Some of the properties listed in the charges are:

•No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million)

•No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, 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 in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5.6 million)

•Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million)

•No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million)

The EFCC also accused the defendants of transferring large sums of money—$570,330 and $556,265—to TD Bank in the United States, as well as possessing unlawfully obtained funds totaling N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

The EFCC has called for the immediate start of trial, citing the availability of witnesses. This motion was opposed by the defense team, who requested more time.

Justice Maryann Anenih, who is presiding over the case, is expected to make a ruling on the bail application and other matters as both sides prepare for trial.

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