The FCT High Court rejects Yahaya Bello’s bail application, citing procedural irregularities, as the former Kogi governor faces corruption charges.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in the filing of the application.
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the application was premature, as it had been filed before Bello had been formally arraigned or taken into custody.
Also read: Yahaya Bello: EFCC now a judge in its own cause- By Sabiu Gaya
In her ruling, Justice Anenih explained that the application was filed on November 22, before Bello’s arraignment on November 27.
Bello had been taken into custody on November 26, which was after the bail application had already been submitted.
“Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent,” the judge stated, adding that the application was “premature” and therefore should be refused.
Bello, along with two other individuals, is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.
His counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), argued that the former governor, a two-term leader of Kogi State, would not interfere with witnesses or abscond if granted bail.
Daudu further stated that Bello became aware of the charges through public summons and would comply with any conditions set by the court.
However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the bail application was improperly filed, as it was submitted before the formal arraignment, which violated the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. Pinheiro called for the application to be dismissed due to its procedural flaws.
Meanwhile, the second defendant in the case, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties.
The court stipulated that the sureties must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail bond and must submit the original title documents to the court.
Additionally, Oricha was required to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions were met. The sureties must alsoprovide affidavits of means and submit copies of their international passports.
The rejection of Bello’s bail application highlights the importance of adhering to procedural protocols in legal cases.
As the trial progresses, the court’s emphasis on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act may serve as a reminder of the legal framework that governs criminal proceedings in Nigeria.
