An Abuja High Court on Wednesday ruled that former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, will remain in detention as the court sets a date to rule on their bail applications. The case involves 16 counts of fraud, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, who is the 1st defendant, denied the allegations levelled against him when the counts were read by the court registrar.
Justice Maryann Anenih, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, scheduled the bail ruling for December 10. The defense, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, filed the bail application on November 22, asserting that the defendants, particularly Bello, should be granted bail as they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Daudu emphasized that Bello had shown respect for the law by attending court, underscoring his readiness to cooperate with legal proceedings.
But Pinheiro opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October.
Responding, Daudu clarified that the only relevant application before the court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed on Nov. 22.
Daudu argued that he served with the charge at 11 pm on Nov. 26 and that he would need time to prepare his client.
On the bail application, he submitted that a defendant, in line with the law, is innocent until proven guilty.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial.
Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.
“Exhibit A, which is the public summons is very vital and the appearance of the defendant in court today, shows he has respect for the law,” he said
Pinheiro also sought to begin the trial immediately, citing the urgency of the case. However, Daudu pointed out that the charge was only formally served on November 26, and he needed more time to prepare.
Further complicating matters, Pinheiro raised concerns about the second defendant, Umar Oricha, who remains in a government position as Director-General of the Kogi State Government House. The prosecution warned that Oricha may commit further offenses if released on bail. However, the defense dismissed this as speculative, asserting that the prosecution failed to present concrete evidence.
Despite these objections, Justice Anenih adjourned the decision on the bail request until December 10, maintaining the detention of all three defendants in EFCC custody. Earlier, Oricha and Hudu had been granted administrative bail by the anti-graft agency.
This high-profile case continues to unfold as the court will soon decide whether the defendants can secure bail ahead of the trial.
