A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Maryanne Anenih, has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court also adjourned the case until December 10, 2024, to decide on his bail application.
Bello, along with two co-defendants—Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu—faces 16 charges brought against them by the EFCC, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them in court.
The charges stem from allegations that the defendants misappropriated state funds to acquire properties, including several properties in Abuja, and transferred substantial sums of money to TD Bank in the United States.
The accused are also said to have unlawfully obtained N677.8 million through Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
During the hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, filed a bail application, arguing that his client should be granted bail in accordance with the law, which presumes innocence until proven guilty.
The EFCC opposed the application, citing a previous bail request that had expired in October.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro further argued that Bello’s position as a former governor and the ongoing charges at the Federal High Court posed a risk of him committing further offenses.
After hearing both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the decision on the bail application until December 10, 2024.
In the meantime, Bello, along with his co-defendants, will remain in the EFCC’s custody. Oricha and Hudu have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
This case is one of several legal challenges facing Bello, who is also facing a separate charge at the Federal High Court related to a different alleged financial crime involving Kogi State funds.
