Court remands Bello, two others over alleged N110b fraud

• Ex-governor, others pleaded not guilty to 16-count charge

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, yesterday, remanded the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) till December 10, 2024.

The remand order came as the accused pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC. The charges, read before Justice Anenih, centred on allegations of criminal breach of trust, dishonest use of public funds, and diversion of over N110 billion from the Kogi State treasury.

The anti-graft agency had accused Bello of using state funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai, allegedly including a property at 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja, purchased for N100 million in 2021, and another at Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, worth N950 million in 2023.

Following their plea, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), moved an application for bail, emphasising that the former governor’s voluntary appearance in court demonstrated respect for the law.

Daudu cited the constitutional presumption of innocence, asserting that the defendant should enjoy liberty, while preparing for trial. However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that it was procedurally defective and premature. He stated that the bail application, filed on November 22, preceded Bello’s arraignment, and thus lacked legal basis.

The senior lawyer also argued that the ex-governor’s prior “disregard for a public summons issued by the court demonstrated contempt, which should weigh against granting bail.”

Pinheiro contended that the co-defendants, still holding positions of authority, posed risks of interfering with investigations or committing similar offences if granted bail.

Responding, Daudu argued that the objections were unfounded, maintaining that a bail application could be filed preemptively. After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to December 10 for ruling on the bail application, while ordering the defendants to remain in EFCC custody.