The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Nigeria has ordered the remand of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, pending the determination of his bail application.
Bello, who is facing trial alongside two others on a N110 billion money laundering charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is expected to remain in custody until January 29, 2025, when the court will resume proceedings.
In a previous ruling on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Justice Maryanne Anenih dismissed Bello’s initial bail application, declaring it incompetent as it was filed on November 22 before his arrest on November 26 and arraignment on November 27.
“The instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih stated.
However, in separate rulings, the court granted bail to Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, with conditions set at N300 million each and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own property of equivalent value within the court’s jurisdiction.
While Bello’s legal team plans to file a fresh bail application, they may also request an earlier hearing date. If successful, Bello could avoid spending the festive season behind bars.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, will continue in the new year.
