PUNCH
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the remand of a former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, 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 defendants were accused of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
Justice Anenih fixed the date to rule on the defendant’s bail application after taking arguments for and against the bail request by Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu and the prosecution’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro.
Meanwhile, Bello and his co-defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to them.
Bello, who had been billed for arraignment since April, presented himself on Tuesday to the EFCC.
Before Bello was billed to answer to the N110.4bn charge preferred against him before Justice Anenih, he was previously billed to take his plea before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in another pending alleged N84bn charge brought against him by the commission.
Bello’s appearance in court on Wednesday made it the first time he will be present to take his plea.
On Wednesday, after the defendants took their plea, Bello’s counsel, Daudu, moved a bail application which the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed, saying it had expired in October.
The defence counsel, however, clarified saying, “The only relevant application before the court is the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant (Bello) which was filed on November 22.”
He added that the bail application was also supported by a written address.
“My Lord, the bail application is 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,” Bello’s counsel argued.
Speaking further, he noted that the law in the country states that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.
Highlighting some paragraphs in the counter affidavit, Daudu argued that the prosecution raised issues that had to do with a matter at the Federal High Court.
He stated, “It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial. 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.”
