Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello and others are ordered to stay in EFCC custody until December 10 as investigations into alleged fraud charges continue.
Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has scheduled December 10 for a decision on bail applications submitted by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello and two others.
The judge set the date after hearing arguments both for and against Bello’s bail request, presented by his lawyer Joseph Bodunde Dauda, SAN, and Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Daudu had urged the court to grant bail to the former governor, citing several reasons.
The senior lawyer stated, among other things, that the law presumes his innocence until proven otherwise by the anti-graft agency.
Daudu also argued that Bello did not pose a flight risk, noting that he had not left the country in the past seven years.
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He also mentioned that the former governor would not meddle with witnesses and evidence, as the EFCC had already concluded their investigation and filed charges against the defendants.
On the other hand, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, contended differently and noted that Bello might potentially interfere with the witnesses and exhibits.
Justice Maryann Anenih subsequently stated that she would reveal her decision on December 10.
The judge ruled that the three defendants must stay in EFCC custody until the rulings are issued.
It should be remembered that Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu were previously granted administrative bail by the EFCC, while the former governor appeared in court for the first time.
