The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of his bail application. The court's ruling follows his arraignment on charges of alleged money laundering involving N110 billion.
Trial Judge Maryann Anenih adjourned the case to January 29 and 30, and February 25 and 27 for further proceedings. The court also rejected Bello's bail application, deeming it "premature" as it was filed four days before his arrest. According to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2025, bail applications should be presented only after a defendant has been arrested, detained, or brought before the court.
Bello, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 26 and arraigned the following day, faces a 16-count charge of money laundering. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, his bail request was not granted.
Two of his co-defendants, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were granted bail under specific conditions. Each was granted bail in the sum of N300 million, with the requirement to provide two sureties who must own property in the Maitama district of Abuja. Furthermore, they are instructed to deposit their passports with the court registrar as part of the bail conditions.
As the legal proceedings continue, attention will remain on the developments surrounding this high-profile case.
.jfif)
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