A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has scheduled December 10 to rule on the bail applications of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants.
Presiding Judge, Justice Maryann Anenih, set the date after hearing arguments from Bello’s legal counsel, Joseph Bodunde Dauda (SAN), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).
During the hearing, Dauda urged the court to grant Bello bail, emphasizing that under Nigerian law, the former governor is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Dauda also assured the court that Bello is not a flight risk, noting that he has not left the country in the past seven years. Additionally, the lawyer argued that there is no risk of interference with witnesses or evidence, as the EFCC has already concluded its investigations.
In opposition, Pinheiro contended that Bello’s release could jeopardize the case, raising concerns about the possibility of interference with witnesses and exhibits.
After listening to both sides, Justice Anenih announced that her decision would be delivered on December 10. In the meantime, the court ordered Bello and his co-defendants to remain in EFCC custody.
The case also involves Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. Bello, however, made his first court appearance at this hearing.
The upcoming ruling is eagerly awaited as it could shape the next steps in the legal proceedings against the former governor.
