Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge also adjourned the case until December 10, 2024, to rule on Bello’s bail application.
Bello and two others, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, are facing 16 counts of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property, brought against them by the EFCC. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved a bail application, which the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed, citing that it had expired in October. However, Daudu clarified that the only relevant application before the court was the motion for bail filed on November 22, supported by a written address.
Bello had been billed for arraignment since April but presented himself to the EFCC on Tuesday. His appearance in court on Wednesday marked the first time he took his plea. The EFCC had previously accused Bello of financial misconduct involving N80.2 billion, with fresh charges filed in September 2024 increasing the alleged fraudulent transactions to N110.4 billion.
