By Joy Yesufu
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered that former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello be kept in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission pending ruling on his bail application.
The judge scheduled a ruling on the bail applications of Bello and two co-defendants for December 10.
The judge set the date after hearing arguments from Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Bodunde Dauda, SAN, and Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC.
Dauda argued for Bello’s release, citing the legal presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
He pointed out that Bello had not traveled out of the country in seven years, asserting that the former governor is not a flight risk.
Additionally, Dauda emphasized that since the EFCC has completed its investigation and filed charges, Bello would not interfere with witnesses or evidence.
In contrast, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro countered, suggesting that Bello could potentially interfere with witnesses and evidence if granted bail.
Following the proceedings, Justice Anenih ordered that the three defendants remain in EFCC custody until the court’s decision is announced on December 10.
It is noteworthy that Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu have already been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, while this marks Bello’s first appearance before the court concerning the case.
