The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the remand of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10. Bello, alongside Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.
On Wednesday, all three defendants were arraigned before the court, with Bello pleading not guilty to all the charges. His legal counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), promptly moved a bail application, asserting that his client’s right to liberty must be preserved while preparing for trial.
Opposing the application, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), counsel to the EFCC, argued that Bello’s bail application was invalid, claiming it had been filed since October and failed to meet procedural requirements. Pinheiro also highlighted that Bello is facing charges in a federal high court and had refused to appear to take his plea in those proceedings, raising questions about his reliability.
Daudu countered, insisting that the bail application, filed on November 22, was the only relevant document before the FCT High Court. He further argued that it would be unjust to use charges from another court as grounds to deny his client bail.
“It is within my client’s constitutional rights to remain free while preparing his defence. He has not been proven guilty, and there’s no basis to treat him otherwise,” Daudu emphasized.
Co-Defendants Face Opposition
Pinheiro also opposed the bail application of the second defendant, Oricha, who currently serves as the Director-General of the Kogi State Government House. He argued that Oricha’s position could enable him to commit similar offences if released.
In response, Daudu accused the EFCC of making speculative allegations without evidence, noting that no habitual offence or fresh criminal activity had been documented against Oricha.
“The EFCC cannot use conjecture to build its case against my client. The court must operate on facts, not assumptions,” Daudu said.
Court Ruling and Adjournment
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Maryann Anenih took a brief recess before delivering her interim ruling. The judge deferred her decision on the bail applications to December 10. Until then, she ordered that Bello, Oricha, and Hudu remain in EFCC custody.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the intricate legal battle ahead as the former governor and his co-defendants prepare to defend themselves against the weighty charges.
Yahaya Bello, who recently concluded his tenure as governor, has faced increasing scrutiny over allegations of financial misconduct during his administration. The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on corruption among public officeholders, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals.
As the trial unfolds, it promises to shed light on the intricacies of governance and accountability, setting a precedent for how Nigeria addresses corruption at the highest levels of power.
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