By Kolawole Ojebisi
No verdict was given on the case of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, today as Justice Maryanne Annenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordered that the ex-Kogi helmsman be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The judge also adjourned till December 10, 2024, to rule on his bail application.
Bello and two others, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, are facing 16 counts brought against them by the EFCC.
The count charge borders on financial malfeasance. After taking their pleas, Joseph Daudu, counsel to Bello, moved the bail application of the former governor.
But Kemi Pinheiro, counsel to the EFCC, opposed the bail application and argued that the application had been invalid since October.
The co-defendants had earlier been granted administrative bail by the anti-graft agency.
Countering the comment of Pinheiro, Dauda said the only relevant application before the court is the bail application of Bello, which was filed on November 22.
Dauda said the bail application was also supported with a written address. The former governor’s lawyer said his client remains innocent until proven guilty.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial,” he said.
“The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the federal high court and has refused to appear to take his plea.
“The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT high court.”
After the arguments, Maryann Anenih, the trial judge, rose for a short recess.
After the recess, Pinheiro opposed the bail application of Oricha, the second defendant, because he is still serving as the director-general of the Kogi state government house.
The EFCC counsel argued that there is a likelihood that he will commit the same offence if not remanded in custody.
Responding, Dauda said Pinheiro did not state where the second defendant allegedly committed another offence after being granted bail.
The counsel said the EFCC did not indicate that the second defendant is a habitual offender.
Dauda urged the court to grant the bail application of the second defendant. After the back and forth from both the plaintiff and defendant’s counsels, they rested their arguments.
In her ruling, the trial judge adjourned ruling on the bail application to December 10 and ordered that the three defendants remain in EFCC custody.
