By Miracle Ogunde
The bail application filed by the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been rejected by a Federal Capital Territory High Court.
In his ruling, Justice Maryanne Anenih, stated that the application was premature as it was filed before Bello was present in court or in custody.
The judge said, “Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent.
“Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”
Bello, alongside two others, is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.
The court noted that the bail application, dated November 22, was filed before Bello’s arraignment, which took place on November 27, days after he was taken into custody on November 26.
Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider the application, arguing that his client, a two-term governor of Kogi State, would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail.
“The first defendant became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court,” Daudu argued.
However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the application was grossly incompetent, as it was filed before the arraignment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties.
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