BREAKING: EFCC Rejects Bail For Ex-Kogi Governor Yahayo Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama to reject a bail request filed by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The EFCC, represented by a legal team led by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the former governor has consistently avoided appearing for trial in a separate corruption case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In response to the bail application submitted by Bello’s legal team, headed by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, the EFCC emphasized its opposition, citing procedural concerns and the need for accountability.

Bello, alongside his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

Following the plea, Daudu urged the court to consider the bail application filed on November 22, asserting that his client is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

According to Bello’s counsel, granting bail would enable the former governor to prepare an adequate defense. The defense also claimed Bello’s court appearance was in compliance with a summons issued against him and that he only received the charges late on November 26.

However, the EFCC contended that the bail application was premature since it was filed before the defendants’ formal arraignment.

“This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants. Bail applications can only be heard after arraignment,” Pinheiro stated.

The case revolves around allegations of N110 billion fraud involving state funds.

The EFCC accused Bello of diverting funds to acquire several properties, including:

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);

A hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5.6 million);

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

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

Additionally, the defendants were accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing funds unlawfully obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited totaling N677.8 million.

The EFCC urged the court to commence its case immediately, as some witnesses were already available. This motion was opposed by the defense counsel.

Presiding Justice Maryann Anenih is set to determine the next steps in the case as both parties prepare for trial.