Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Bello, alongside two others, with laundering ₦110 billion. The court adjourned the hearing of the case to January 29, 30, and February 25 and 27, 2025.

Justice Anenih declined an initial bail application filed by Bello, ruling it premature. The judge noted that the application was filed on November 22 before Bello’s arraignment on November 27 and before he was taken into custody on November 26, rendering it legally incompetent.

Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that his client had sufficient grounds for bail, citing his status as a two-term governor and assurances not to interfere with witnesses or abscond. Daudu urged the court to exercise its discretion to grant bail.

However, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the application, describing it as procedurally flawed. He argued that bail applications must be filed after arraignment, per the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Justice Anenih, delivering the ruling, referenced the ACJA, emphasizing that bail applications are valid only when filed after a defendant is arrested, detained, arraigned, or presented in court.

The 2nd and 3rd defendants in the case, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were granted bail set at ₦300 million each, with two sureties possessing properties in the Maitama District of Abuja. They were also required to surrender their passports to the court and remain in custody until their bail conditions are met.

Justice Anenih stipulated that each surety could only guarantee bail for one defendant and must enter a bond for the specified amount.