Court Adjourns Bail Ruling for Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to December 10
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday – November 27, 2024, adjourned ruling on the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, along with his two co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to December 10, 2024.
The decision, delivered by Justice Maryanne Anenih, included an order for the trio to remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending the court’s final decision.
Bello and his co-defendants face a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property, involving an alleged fraud of N110.4 billion.
The adjournment followed submissions from both the defence and prosecution teams regarding the bail application.
Representing Bello, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu argued that his client deserved bail to prepare adequately for trial.
He highlighted Bello’s compliance with a public summons, noting his appearance in court as evidence of his respect for the rule of law.
“Exhibit A, which is the public summons, is very vital, and the defendant’s appearance today shows he has respect for the law,” Daudu stated.
He argued that the objections raised by the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), were based on unrelated cases pending at the Federal High Court.
Pinheiro, however, opposed the bail application, citing the competence of the motion, its factual deficiencies, and judicial principles.
He argued that Bello’s ongoing refusal to appear in related cases raised questions about his compliance with bail conditions.
The prosecution also opposed bail for the second defendant, Hudu, currently serving as Director-General, Kogi State Government House, arguing that his position could facilitate a repeat of the alleged offences.
Defence counsel countered, asserting that the prosecution’s claims lacked merit and failed to establish Hudu as a habitual offender.
“The use of the word may in the counter-affidavit is speculative and does not prove any likelihood of committing an offence,” the defence argued.
Following a short recess, Justice Anenih postponed her decision on the bail application to December 10 and directed that all three defendants be remanded in EFCC custody.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that Oricha and Hudu had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC before the arraignment.
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants include the misuse of state funds to acquire properties in highbrow areas of Abuja, including:
No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District (N950 million)
No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District (N100 million)
No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro (N920 million)
The EFCC further alleged that the defendants transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States and illegally obtained N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Bello, who had evaded arraignment since April 2024, presented himself to the EFCC on Tuesday, marking his first appearance in court to take a plea. Along with his co-defendants, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case continues as the court awaits the decision on the defendants’ bail applications.
