The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ruling on the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, and two others, to December 10, 2024.
Bello, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a fresh 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involving an alleged N110 billion fraud. The charges were read to the defendants, and Bello, the first defendant, pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
After the charges were read, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, submitted a bail application for the former governor. However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro opposed the application, arguing that the request had expired in October.
In response, Daudu clarified that the relevant application was the one filed on November 22, specifically seeking bail for the first defendant, which was supported by an affidavit and written address.
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the defendants would remain in EFCC custody until further decisions are made.
The EFCC’s charges against Bello and the others stem from allegations of embezzling N110 billion during Bello’s tenure as governor.
