Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s bail application was rejected by a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday due to procedural irregularities.
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the application was filed prematurely, as Bello was not 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.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has charged Bello and two others in an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.
The court noted that Bello’s bail application, dated November 22, was filed prior to his arraignment, which occurred on November 27, days after he was arrested on November 26.
Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to entertain the plea, claiming that his client, Kogi State’s two-term governor, will 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 lawyer Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) maintained that the application was manifestly incompetent, as it was filed before the arraignment, contrary to the terms of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Pinheiro stressed that the timing rendered the application illegitimate, urging the court to dismiss it.
Meanwhile, Umar Oricha, the second defendant, was granted bail in the amount of N300 million with two sureties.
The court ordered that the sureties hold properties in Abuja’s Maitama sector worth at least the bail bond and provide genuine ownership documents to the court.
Justice Anenih further ordered that the sureties provide affidavits of means and submit copies of their international passports to the court.
Oricha is required to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in detention until all bail terms are completed.
