The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has urged a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Maitama, to deny bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
During the proceedings, EFCC’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro, opposed Bello’s bail application, arguing that the ex-governor had repeatedly failed to make himself available for trial in another corruption case pending before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
Bello, along with two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16 counts brought against them by the EFCC. The charges revolve around conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property.
Defence Requests Bail
Bello’s legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association President Joseph Daudu, SAN, filed a bail application on November 22, citing six grounds for consideration. Daudu contended that Bello enjoys the presumption of innocence and requires bail to adequately prepare his defence.
“In line with the law, my client is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His presence in court today is in compliance with the summons issued against him,” Daudu argued. He also noted that Bello had only received the charge sheet late on Tuesday, November 26, and urged the court not to factor in unrelated cases cited by the EFCC.
EFCC’s Objections
The EFCC, however, opposed the bail request, arguing that it was filed prematurely, as the defendants had not yet been arraigned when the application was submitted.
“This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants,” EFCC counsel Pinheiro stated. “It is only after arraignment that the bail application can arise and be heard. The application is premature, hasty, and contradicts the meaning of bail.”
Pinheiro also informed the court that some witnesses were ready to testify and requested that the prosecution be allowed to open its case immediately, a request opposed by Bello’s defence team.
Allegations of Misused State Funds
The EFCC’s case against Bello and his co-defendants involves allegations of misappropriating over N110 billion from the Kogi State treasury. The Commission accused Bello of using state funds to purchase properties worth billions of naira, including:
– No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million).
– No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million).
– No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).
– Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million).
– Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams).
– Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million).
– No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Bello transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and was found in possession of unlawfully acquired funds, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Plea of Innocence
After the charges were read before Justice Maryann Anenih, Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty. The court is expected to rule on the bail application and proceed with the trial in subsequent sittings.