The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling was made by Justice Maryanne Anenih on Wednesday, November 28, with the court adjourning the hearing on Bello’s bail application until December 10, 2024.
Bello, along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC over an alleged N110 billion fraud.
The former governor, listed as the first defendant, and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
During the hearing, Yahaya Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, filed a motion seeking bail for his client.
However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, argued against the application, stating it had expired in October.
Daudu countered this, explaining that the relevant motion for bail was filed on November 22 and was supported by a written address.
Justice Anenih stated that the defendants would remain in EFCC custody until the next court date.
The EFCC had initially filed the case, accusing Bello and his co-defendants of involvement in financial crimes totaling N110 billion.
KanyiDaily recalls that Justice Maryann Anenih previously left the courtroom after a large crowd of Yahaya Bello’s supporters overwhelmed the premises.