Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has refused the bail application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, ruling that the application was premature as it was filed before his arraignment or custody.
Bello, along with two co-defendants, is facing trial in connection with an alleged ₦110 billion money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In her ruling, Justice Anenih stated that the bail application, dated November 22, was incompetent under the law.
“The provision of the ACJA (Administration of Criminal Justice Act) stipulates that a bail application can only be made when a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court,” she said.
Bello filed the application on November 22, while he was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27. Justice Anenih emphasized that the application was therefore filed prematurely.
During the hearing, Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), argued that the former governor was a two-term leader of Kogi State who would neither interfere with witnesses nor abscond if granted bail. He urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously.
In opposition, EFCC prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro contended that the application was grossly incompetent since it was filed before the defendant’s arraignment.
Justice Anenih ultimately sided with the prosecution, declaring the application inadmissible under the circumstances.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail under stringent conditions. The court set bail at ₦300 million, requiring two sureties, each owning property in Maitama valued at no less than the bond amount.
The sureties must deposit their original property title documents with the court, depose to an affidavit of means, and submit copies of their passports.
Oricha must also deposit his travel documents and will remain in custody until the bail conditions are fulfilled.
