Kehinde Fajobi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed bail for former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, citing his repeated failure to attend his trial.
EFCC counsel, led by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama that Bello had not been cooperative in previous proceedings, including a corruption case currently being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bello, alongside his co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge.
His legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, filed a bail application on November 22, 2024.
Daudu argued that his client enjoys the presumption of innocence and should be granted bail to effectively prepare his defense.
He added that Bello only received a copy of the charges late on November 26, around 11pm, and appeared in court in response to a summons.
However, Pinheiro opposed the bail request, arguing that it was premature as the application was filed before the defendants’ arraignment.
He noted that the court only assumed jurisdiction after the arraignment and that bail could not be considered before this point.
In addition, Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the EFCC’s case immediately, noting that some witnesses were available to testify. The defense contested this request.
The EFCC’s charges against Bello and his co-defendants include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and the possession of unlawfully obtained property.
They are accused of misusing Kogi state funds to acquire assets, including several properties in Abuja and Dubai, totaling billions of naira and foreign currency.
The EFCC also alleges the defendants transferred large sums of money to TD Bank in the United States and possessed N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Despite the serious charges, the defendants pleaded not guilty. The case is being heard before Justice Maryann Anenih.