Defendant to remain in EFCC custody
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, has fixed December 10, 2024 for rulings on the bail applications by the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others.
The presiding judge, Justice Maryann Anenih, fixed the date after taking arguments for and against the bail request by Bellos lawyer, Joseph Bodunde Dauda, (SAN) and the Prosecutions Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, (SAN).
Ex-Gov Bello and two others had, on Wednesday, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Commission. Bello, who is the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryann Anenih as they were reeled out by the Court Registrar.
After taking their plea, the Defendants Counsel, JB Daudu, (SAN), moved an application for bail. However, the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, on the grounds that it had expired in October.
Making clarifications, the Defendants Counsel clarified this, saying that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed on November 22.
The EFCC had moved for trial to commence immediately and was ready to call its first witness. Bellos Counsel on the other hand argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm on Nov. 26 and that he would need time to prepare his client.
On the bail application, Daudu (SAN) said the law in the country says a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. Its within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial, he said.
Justice Anenih adjourned ruling on the bail application to December 10 and directed that the three defendants should remain in EFCC custody.
Recall that Umar Shoaib Oricha and AbdulSalami Hudu had earlier been admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC while the former governor appeared before the court for the first time.
