Yahaya Bello remanded in Kuje prison over ₦110bn fraud

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Prison pending his trial over an alleged ₦110 billion fraud. Justice Maryann Anenih issued the ruling on Tuesday after adjourning the trial to February 25, 2025.

Bello, who served as Kogi State Governor from 2016 to 2024, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His co-defendants include two former state officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.

The court rejected a bail application submitted by Bello’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president. Justice Anenih ruled the application inadmissible, noting that it was filed on November 22, three days before Bello voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC on November 25.

“A bail application is meant to challenge a defendant’s detention. Filing it before being in custody invalidates its purpose,” the judge stated.

The second and third defendants were granted bail in the sum of ₦300 million each, with two sureties of equal standing. The court also ordered the seizure of their travel documents as part of the bail conditions.

The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed granting bail to Bello, citing his history of evading trial.

“Efforts to secure the 1st defendant’s presence in another pending case before the Federal High Court, Abuja, have been unsuccessful,” the EFCC said, accusing Bello of attempting to manipulate the legal process.

The charges against Bello and his co-defendants include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.