Court denies Yahaya Bello bail in N110bn money laundering case

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in the filing of the application.

According to Justice Maryanne Anenih, the application was premature as it was filed before Bello was present in court or in custody.

Bello, who served as Kogi governor from 2016 to 2023, is facing a 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.

The EFCC opposed the bail application, arguing that it was grossly incompetent and filed before Bello’s arraignment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In contrast, Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider the application, arguing that his client would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail.

However, Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, declaring the motion incompetent and striking it out.

Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties.

The court specified that the sureties must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail bond and must submit the original title documents to the court.