A Federal Capital Territory High Court has denied bail to Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, in a N110 billion money laundering case.
Cyber Reporters gathered that the ruling was delivered by Justice Maryann Anenih.
The bail application was filed by Bello’s counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, on November 22.
However, the court ruled that the application was premature and incompetent, adding that the application was filed before Bello was taken into custody or arraigned in court.
Recall Bello was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had brought the charges against Bello, alleging that he was involved in a N110 billion money laundering scheme.
During the hearing, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the bail application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.
However, Bello’s counsel disagreed, stating that there was no authority that says an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.
Justice Anenih, in her ruling, emphasized the importance of following proper legal procedures when seeking bail.
She noted that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, provides that an application for bail can be made when a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.
The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the prosecution presenting its case against Bello.
The outcome of the trial will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case.
Bello’s counsel is expected to appeal the ruling, while the prosecution will continue to present its case against the former governor.
