A High Court in Abuja has remanded former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in EFCC custody pending a December 10 ruling on his bail application. Bello, alongside two co-defendants, is facing a 16-count charge for alleged involvement in a N110 billion fraud.
The EFCC accused Bello of diverting state funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai, among other locations. Defense counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) argued that Bello should be granted bail due to the presumption of innocence, but the prosecution opposed, citing his failure to appear in court previously.
Justice Maryann Anenih dismissed the immediate bail plea, stating it was premature as it was filed before the defendants’ arraignment. The EFCC urged the court to begin trial promptly, asserting readiness with witnesses, while the defense sought time for case preparation.
Bello is accused of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illegal fund transfers, including over $1 million to a U.S. bank account. The case has drawn public attention as a test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
