The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by Abuja High Court over alleged 110 billion naira money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryann of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja who presided over the case on Tuesday, denied honouring the bail application filed by Bello on the premised that it was prematurely filed and adjourned the hearing to the 29th of January while the ex-governor remains in custody.
Yahaya Bello filed an application seeking the court to order to admit him to bail pending the proper hearing and determination of the 12 count charges brought against him and two others by the EFCC. The application which is dated 22nd November was nullified because the former governor was neither in custody nor had been brought to court before the application was filed; consequently, Justice Anenih described the bail application as “premature” and “incompetent”.
“Before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on 22nd November. The 1st defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge. That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.” the application bail read.
However, the 2nd defendant, Umar Oricha and the 3rd defendant Abdulsalami Hudu were granted N300 million bail each after meeting the other necessary conditions.
