Riding high on his recent bail victory at the Federal High Court, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello is set to begin a new legal battle for bail this morning at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Bello, who faces charges of public trust violations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had previously been denied bail by the court. Justice Maryann Anenih ruled that his bail application was premature, as it was filed before he had surrendered to the anti-graft agency.
Unfazed by the ruling, Bello, through his lead counsel, Joseph Bodunde Daudu SAN, has submitted a fresh bail application, which will be heard today.
According to a hearing notice seen by DAILY POST, Justice Anenih, who had initially rescheduled the matter for January 29, has decided to accommodate the new bail request.
In the fresh application, Bello’s legal team argues that the offenses he is accused of are bailable and emphasizes that the law presumes his innocence until proven otherwise. Bello has pledged to adhere to any bail conditions imposed on him and to make himself available for the trial. He also promised not to interfere with the EFCC’s investigations or with the witnesses who will testify in the case.
Considering the proceedings at the Federal High Court, where Bello was granted bail in the amount of N500 million, it is likely the EFCC may not oppose the new bail request, particularly due to Bello’s voluntary surrender and conduct in court.
Bello’s legal team will be led by Joseph Bodunde Daudu SAN, while prominent lawyer Kemi Pinheiro SAN will represent the EFCC at the hearing.
Previously, Justice Anenih had ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje Correctional Centre while awaiting his bail application. The judge also scheduled hearings for the N110 billion money laundering case against him for January 29 and 30, and February 25 and 27.
Earlier, the court had rejected a bail request filed by the former governor, ruling that it was premature since he was neither in custody nor before the court at the time of filing. Bello is currently standing trial, along with two others, for the alleged N110 billion money laundering case filed by the EFCC.