Court Refuses Bail for Yahaya Bello in N110 Billion Case

…The EFCC counters his bail application, based on the argument that it was ill-timed and violated legal standards.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has declined the bail request of Yahaya Bello, a former Kogi State governor, citing procedural lapses in the application process. 

Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the application was submitted prematurely, as it was filed before Bello’s arraignment or his formal custody.

Bello, charged alongside two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case involving alleged laundering of N110 billion, appeared in court after his November 26 arrest. 

The bail request, submitted on November 22, predates his November 27 arraignment, rendering it invalid under procedural guidelines.

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While Bello’s legal team argued for his release, claiming he posed no risk of absconding, the EFCC countered that the timing of the application violated legal standards.

The court upheld the EFCC’s position, rejecting Bello’s bail.

In contrast, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail on stringent conditions, including a bond of N300 million and property guarantees in Abuja.

Until these terms are met, Oricha will remain in custody.