The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has denied the bail application of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in its filing.
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled on Tuesday that the application was premature, as it was submitted before Bello was taken into custody.
The judge stated, “Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent.” The bail request was filed on November 22, prior to Bello’s arraignment on November 27, after he was taken into custody on November 26.
Bello is facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to an alleged N110 billion money laundering scheme. His counsel argued that Bello would not interfere with witnesses if granted bail. However, EFCC counsel countered that the application was invalid due to its timing.
Meanwhile, co-defendant Umar Oricha was granted bail set at N300 million under specific conditions, including the requirement for sureties to own property in Abuja’s Maitama district.
