A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has adjourned till December 10 to rule on the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and two others. Justice Maryanne Anenih ordered that Bello and his co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello and his co-defendants are facing 16 counts bordering on alleged N110.4 billion fraud. The defendants were accused of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. “The defendants are accused of misusing state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja,” said the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).
Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them. The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), moved a bail application, which the EFCC counsel opposed. “The bail application has expired since October,” said Pinheiro.
However, Daudu clarified that the bail application was filed on November 22 and was supported by a written address. “Exhibit A, which is the public summons, is very vital and the appearance of the defendant in court today shows he has respect for the law,” said Daudu.
Pinheiro further opposed the bail application, stating that Bello was still facing charges at the Federal High Court and had refused to appear to take his plea. “The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court,” said Daudu.
Justice Anenih rose for a short recess before returning to hear further arguments from the prosecution and defence counsels. The prosecution counsel opposed the bail application for the second defendant, saying there was a likelihood of him committing the same offence.
The defendant’s counsel disagreed, arguing that the EFCC’s counter-affidavit lacked merit as it did not show that the defendant was a habitual offender. “The use of ‘may’ in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit does not show where the second defendant allegedly committed another offence after being granted bail,” said the defendant’s counsel.
Justice Anenih adjourned the ruling on the bail application till December 10 and directed that the three defendants should be remanded in the EFCC custody. Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, had earlier been admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC.
The EFCC alleged that Bello and his co-defendants transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States and possessed unlawfully obtained property, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
