Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has declined a bail application by Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, citing procedural irregularities.
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled on Tuesday that the bail request was invalid, as it was filed before Bello had been taken into custody or brought before the court.
“Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent,” she declared.
“Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”
Bello, along with two co-defendants, is facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of laundering ₦110 billion.
The court highlighted that Bello’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Jacob Daudu, submitted the bail application on November 22.
This was before his arraignment on November 27 and even before his detention on November 26.
Defending the application, Daudu said, “The first defendant became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court. He will neither abscond nor interfere with witnesses.”
However, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), representing the EFCC, argued that the bail application contravened the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Pinheiro labelled the filing “grossly incompetent” and urged the court to dismiss it.
While Bello’s request was denied, the court granted bail to the second defendant, Umar Oricha.
His bail was set at ₦300 million, with stringent conditions, including the provision of two sureties.
The sureties are required to own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail amount and must submit the original title documents to the court.
They are also mandated to provide affidavits of means and copies of their international passports.
Additionally, Oricha must surrender his travel documents and remain in custody until all bail conditions are met, according to Justice Anenih.