The Traffic

Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello’s Bail Drama: Court Denies Release Amid Explosive N110B Fraud Charges

By Achimi Muktar

In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has denied bail to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, over his alleged involvement in a staggering N110 billion fraud. Bello, who had been in detention since November 25, faced a setback on Tuesday as Justice Maryann Anenih ruled that his bail application was both premature and procedurally incompetent.

The court noted that Bello filed the bail application on November 22, five days before surrendering himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Anenih questioned the timing, stating that bail applications are designed to contest ongoing detention, making Bello’s preemptive motion improper.

“The instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih ruled.

While Bello's request was denied, the court granted bail to the second defendant, Umar Oricha, on stringent conditions, including a N300 million bond and two sureties. The fate of the third defendant, Abdulsalami Hudu, remains undecided.

The Allegations

Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, faces a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC. The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The EFCC accuses Bello of siphoning state funds to acquire multiple high-value properties across Nigeria and even overseas.

Among the contested assets are:

No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja: Acquired for N950 million.

No. 1160 Cadastral Zone, Gwarimpa II, Abuja: N100 million.

Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa, Dubai: Valued at over 5.6 million Dirhams.

Other properties: Located in Wuse Zone 4, Asokoro, and international locations, totaling billions in alleged stolen funds.

The EFCC also claims Bello transferred over $1 million to TD Bank in the USA and received suspicious funds, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

EFCC’s Argument

The anti-graft agency vigorously opposed Bello’s bail application, arguing that he consistently evaded legal summons. According to the EFCC, Bello’s reluctance to attend court proceedings in another corruption case only underscores the risk of granting him bail.

“Several efforts to secure his presence before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court have proved abortive,” said EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

The agency contends that Bello’s application undermines judicial procedures and lacks merit, urging the court to prioritize public interest.

Bello’s Defense

Through his legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association president Joseph Daudu, SAN, Bello argued that he enjoys the presumption of innocence. His defense emphasized the need for bail to enable adequate preparation for his trial.

“My client is innocent of all allegations and deserves the opportunity to defend himself effectively,” Daudu asserted.

What’s Next?

With the court rejecting his bail plea, Bello remains in EFCC custody. Meanwhile, observers anticipate a high-stakes trial that could shed light on the alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor.

For now, the former governor’s legal troubles deepen as the fight against corruption in Nigeria takes center stage.