Olayiwola Matthew
A Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Tuesday, rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in the filing of the application.
Justice Maryanne Anenih, while delivering the ruling, stated that the application was premature as it was filed before Bello was present in court or in custody.
The judge said, “Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent.
“Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”
Bello, alongside two others, is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.
The court noted that the bail application, dated November 22, was filed before Bello’s arraignment, which took place on November 27, days after he was taken into custody on November 26.
Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider the application, arguing that his client, a two-term governor of Kogi State, would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail.
“The first defendant became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court,” Daudu argued.
However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the application was grossly incompetent, as it was filed before the arraignment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Pinheiro emphasised that the timing rendered the application invalid, urging the court to dismiss it.
Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties.
The court specified that the sureties must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail bond and must submit the original title documents to the court.
Justice Anenih further directed that the sureties must depose to affidavits of means and submit copies of their international passports to the court.
Oricha is to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions are met.