Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Tuesday lost his bail bid, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.
The court ruled that the embattled governor’s bail application was incompetent as it was filed prematurely.
It would be recalled that the former governor is facing a multibillion naira fraud and money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Justice Maryanne Anenih, in a ruling on Tuesday, faulted the competence of Bello’s bail application and held that it was filed prematurely.
Justice Anenih held that the application, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, his application was incompetent.
She said: “Consequently, the instant application, having been filed prematurely is hereby refused.”
Naija Daily News recalls that Bello and two others are charged by the EFCC in a N110 billion money laundering case.
Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider the application, arguing that his client, a two-term governor of Kogi State, would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail.
“The first defendant became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court,” Daudu argued.
However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the application was grossly incompetent, as it was filed before the arraignment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Pinheiro emphasised that the timing rendered the application invalid, urging the court to dismiss it.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties.
In granting the bail, the court insisted that the sureties must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district (its jurisdiction) valued at no less than the bail bond and must submit the original title documents to the court.
Justice Anenih directed that the sureties must depose to affidavits of means and submit copies of their international passports to the court, while Oricha is to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions are met.
