A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama on Tuesday ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Prison pending his trial over allegations of ₦110 billion fraud. The decision was issued by Justice Maryann Anenih, who adjourned the case until February 25, 2025.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, faces a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges also implicate two former state officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are named as co-defendants.
An application for bail filed by Bello’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, was dismissed by the court. Justice Anenih ruled that the bail application was invalid as it was filed prematurely on November 22, three days before Bello voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC on November 25.
“A bail application challenges a defendant’s detention. Filing it before being in custody invalidates the application,” the judge stated. She added, “Therefore, the current application, being premature, is hereby denied.”
However, the court granted bail to the second and third defendants on conditions including ₦300 million each, two sureties of equal value, and the surrender of their travel documents.
The EFCC, represented by its lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed granting bail to Bello, arguing that he had previously avoided trial. The anti-corruption agency alleged that multiple attempts to bring Bello to court for a related charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja were unsuccessful. It described Bello’s bail application as a legal strategy to undermine the trial process.
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired assets. Bello’s legal team has denied these allegations, asserting his entitlement to the presumption of innocence and requesting bail to adequately prepare his defense. Daudu emphasized that Bello had voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC, refuting claims of evasion.
The high-profile trial has sparked nationwide debate, with some commending the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption, while others criticized the prolonged nature of such cases.
The case, identified as CR/7781, highlights the challenges in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability among public officials. According to the EFCC, Bello is accused of misappropriating state funds to acquire various properties, including:
No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (₦950 million).
No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million).
No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million).
Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million).
A luxury apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai, purchased for 5.7 million AED.
Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦60 million).
No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦310.4 million).
The EFCC further alleged that the defendants transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and acquired other unlawfully obtained funds, including ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
