Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court set December 10, 2024, for a ruling on Bello’s bail application.

Bello, alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces 16 charges brought by the EFCC, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

The former governor, who had evaded arraignment since April, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday to take his plea. Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, moved for bail, arguing that his client voluntarily appeared in court and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Daudu emphasized that the application was filed on November 22, contrary to the EFCC’s claim that it had expired in October.

The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the bail request, citing Bello’s pending charges in another case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Pinheiro argued that granting bail could lead to the defendant committing similar offenses.

Justice Anenih deferred ruling on the bail application, directing that all three defendants remain in EFCC custody.

Bello is accused of misappropriating state funds to acquire properties worth billions of naira, including luxury real estate in Abuja. Other allegations include transferring funds to foreign accounts and misusing public funds for personal enrichment.

Co-defendants Oricha and Hudu had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. The case has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged financial impropriety.