Court Denies Yahaya Bello Bail Over Premature Filing

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, citing procedural errors in its filing.

Justice Maryanne Anenih, in her ruling, described the application as premature, emphasizing that it was filed before Bello was in custody or arraigned.

“Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent,” Justice Anenih ruled. “Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”

Also Read: The Comedy of Yahaya Bello and the EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Bello alongside two co-defendants in connection with alleged money laundering amounting to ₦110 billion.

The court highlighted that the bail application, dated November 22, was submitted before Bello’s arraignment on November 27, following his detention on November 26.

Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), had urged the court to consider the application on merit, arguing that his client was a “responsible individual” who would not abscond or interfere with witnesses.

“The first defendant became aware of the charge through the public summons. He is a two-term governor who will abide by the court’s conditions,” Daudu argued.

However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the timing of the application rendered it invalid, as it did not comply with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Pinheiro stated, “The application is grossly incompetent, having been filed before the arraignment of the defendant.”

Meanwhile, the court granted bail to the second defendant, Umar Oricha, under stringent conditions. Justice Anenih set bail at ₦300 million, requiring two sureties with properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail sum. The sureties must also submit original title documents and affidavits of means, alongside copies of their international passports.

Oricha is required to surrender his travel documents and remain in custody until all conditions are fulfilled.