Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, along with two co-defendants, has pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of fraud brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, who is the first defendant, strongly denied the allegations when they were read to him before Justice Maryann Anenih at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Following the plea, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, filed a bail application. However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, objected, stating that the application had expired in October.
Daudu clarified that the only relevant bail application before the court was one filed on November 22 for Bello, supported by an affidavit and written address.
He emphasized the significance of “Exhibit A,” the public summons, and argued that Bello’s appearance in court demonstrated his respect for the law.
While the EFCC sought to proceed with the trial immediately and call its first witness, Daudu requested more time, explaining that they had only received the charges at 11 pm on November 26 and needed time to prepare.
On the matter of bail, Daudu stated that Bello, as a defendant, had the right to enjoy his liberty until proven guilty.
He also argued that the EFCC’s objection was based on issues from another court and should not affect the proceedings before the FCT High Court.
The EFCC countered Daudu’s submission, asserting that its objection was based on three grounds: the competence of the application, the factual content, and adherence to judicial principles.
The court adjourned the matter to December 10 for a ruling on the bail application. In the meantime, the defendants were ordered to remain in EFCC custody.
The other two defendants, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
