Justice Maryanne Anenih of 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).¹ The judge also adjourned the case till December 10, 2024, to rule on Bello’s bail application.

Background of the Case

Bello and two others, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, are facing 16 counts of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property brought against them by the EFCC. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Bail Application

Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved a bail application, which the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed, saying it had expired in October. However, Daudu clarified that the only relevant application before the court was the motion for bail filed on November 22.

EFCC’s Objection

The EFCC counsel opposed the bail application, stating that it was anchored on three grounds: competence of the application, factual content of the application, and the application of judicial principles and guidance.

Ruling

Justice Anenih adjourned the ruling on the bail application till December 10 and directed that the three defendants should remain in EFCC custody. Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, had earlier been admitted to administrative bail by the anti-graft agency.

Charges Against Bello

The charge states that Bello and his co-defendants misused state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million); No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million); and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million), among other properties. They were also accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States and possessing unlawfully obtained property, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.