The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has remanded the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Correctional Centre. The ruling comes amid his trial for alleged money laundering.
Judge Maryann Anenih denied Bello’s bail application, stating it was filed prematurely, as he was not in custody nor before the court when the request was made. She cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which stipulates that bail applications must be made when a defendant is arrested, detained, or arraigned in court. Bello’s initial bail request was submitted on November 22, but he was not taken into custody until November 26 and was arraigned the following day.
The case has been adjourned until January 29 for further proceedings.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, and the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, were both granted N300 million bail with stringent conditions. Each was required to provide two sureties possessing property within the Maitama District of the Federal Capital Territory, and they must not leave the FCT without the court’s permission. Both defendants will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until they meet the bail conditions, including submitting their passports to the court registrar.
The legal battle continues as the court sets the stage for further hearings early next year.
Follow us on:
