ABUJA — A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama on Tuesday denied bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is facing a 16-count charge of alleged misappropriation of N110 billion in state funds. The ruling, delivered by Justice Maryann Anenih, deemed Bello’s bail application premature and procedurally flawed.
Premature Bail Application Rejected
Justice Anenih ruled that Bello’s application for bail was filed on November 22, five days before his voluntary surrender to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 25. The court noted that bail applications are typically filed to challenge detention, making Bello’s pre-surrender filing premature.
“The implication of the defendant’s actions is that he sought to invoke the court’s jurisdiction too early. Consequently, the instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih stated.
Other Defendants Granted Bail
While Bello’s bail request was rejected, the court granted bail to the second defendant, Umar Oricha, on stringent terms, including a bond of ₦300 million and two sureties of equal sum. The fate of the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, remains undecided as the court has yet to rule on his bail application.
EFCC’s Case Against Bello
The EFCC accused Bello and his co-defendants of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired properties. Bello, who served as governor from 2016 to 2024, allegedly diverted state funds to acquire several high-value properties in Nigeria and abroad, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (₦950 million)
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja (₦100 million)
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million)
- Hotel Apartment Community in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Five Million Dirhams)
The EFCC further accused Bello of transferring substantial sums of foreign currency, including $570,330 and $556,265, to accounts in the United States.
Prosecution Opposes Bail
The EFCC, represented by lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed Bello’s bail application, citing his alleged evasion of court proceedings in a separate case at the Abuja Federal High Court. The agency argued that granting him bail could jeopardize ongoing investigations and proceedings.
Defense Cites Presumption of Innocence
Bello’s legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the former governor enjoys a presumption of innocence under Nigerian law and needs bail to effectively prepare his defense. However, the court rejected these arguments, aligning with the prosecution’s stance.
Next Steps
Justice Anenih adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further hearings. The former governor and his co-defendants remain in EFCC custody as investigations continue into what has been described as one of the largest fraud cases in Kogi State’s history.
