Finally the chips are down; kogi ex-governor yahaya bello heads to kuje prison over alleged N110billion Naira fraud
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over alleged N110billion fraud.
The court, which remanded Bello, who fled trial for months, in prison pending his bail application, adjourned the case to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further hearings.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Justice Anenih rejected Bello's bail application, stating it had been filed prematurely.
During the bail application hearing, the judge noted, "Before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on November 22.
“The first defendant seeks an order granting him bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“He claims to have learned of the charge through public summons and asserts that, as a two-term governor, he would not interfere with witnesses or flee if granted bail."
She referred to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which states that a bail application can only be made after the defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.
The court therefore agreed with the prosecution that the motion was incompetent.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Dr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had vehemently countered the bail application, citing the antics of the former governor who has been running from pillar to post.
Yahaya Bello had earlier pleaded "not guilty" to the 16 counts charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Federal High Court.
His case had been adjourned to December 10 for the reading of his bail application. He was to remain with the EFCC.
Bello, who served as governor from 2016 to 2023, faces charges related to the mismanagement of state funds, as well as accusations of embezzlement and abuse of office.
Bello is facing trial, alongside two others, on allegations of N110 billion in money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the amount of N300 million with two sureties.
The sureties must own property in Maitama valued at no less than the bond sum, and they are required to deposit the original title documents with the court.
Additionally, the sureties must submit affidavits of means and copies of their passports.
Oricha is also required to deposit his travel documents and remain in custody until the bail conditions are fulfilled.
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