Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja today ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge also adjourned till December 10, 2024, to rule on his bail application.

Bello and two others, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, are facing a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them. The Commission had moved for trial to commence immediately and was ready to call its first witness.

But Bello’s counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu SAN, argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm yesterday and that he would need time to prepare his client. He then moved an application for bail.

This was however opposed by EFCC’s Counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro SAN, saying the application lapsed in October.

Making clarifications, Daudu stated that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant filed on November 22, 2024.

Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.

“Exhibit A, which is the public summons, is very vital and the appearance of the defendant in court today shows he has respect for the law,” he said. He stated that the law of the country is to the effect that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.

“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial,” he said. “The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to take his plea. “The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court.” .

Pointing out some paragraphs in the counter-affidavit, he said the prosecution raised issues that had to do with a matter at the Federal High Court. “When the jurisdiction of the court is challenged, the defendant need not appear until the issues arising from the jurisdiction are resolved,” he noted.

While objecting to the submissions, Pinheiro stated that the preliminary objection was anchored on three grounds — competence of the application, factual content of the application, and application of judicial principles and guidelines.

Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants should be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Oricha and Hudu had earlier been admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency had instituted a N110 billion charge against the former governor bothering on fraud.

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