A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has remanded former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody till December 10, 2024.

The court’s presiding judge, Maryann Anenih, adjourned ruling on bail application by the former governor to December 10 and ordered that he, and two other defendants, remain in EFCC custody.

 Bello and his co-defendants, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Shoaib Oricha, were arraigned on a 16-count charge bothering on alleged 110 billion money laundering.

However, the former governor pleaded not guilty to the charges. After the court had listened to their pleas, the defendant’s counsel Joseph Daudu, moved for the bail application of the former governor.

The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro,  disagreed with the bail application and argued that it had been invalid since October.

Recall that the anti-graft agency had granted administrative bail to Bello’s co-defendants.

Disagreeing with Pinheiro’s argument, Joseph claimed that the only considerable application before the court was Bello’s bail application of Bello, filed on November 22. He said the bail application was made with a written address.

The ex-governor’s counsel argued that his client remained innocent until proven guilty by the court.

“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial,” he claimed“

The prosecution’s objection was based on the fact that the accused was facing charges at the Federal High Court and had refused to appear to take his plea, he added.

“The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court.”

After the arguments, Anenih, the trial judge, rose for a short recess.

After the recess, Pinheiro opposed the bail application of Oricha, the second defendant, because he is still serving as the director-general of the Kogi State Government House.

The EFCC counsel argued that there was a likelihood that he would commit the same offence for which he is standing if he is not in custody.

Responding, Dauda said Pinheiro did not state where the second defendant allegedly committed another offence after being granted bail.

The counsel said the EFCC did not indicate that the second defendant was a habitual offender.

He urged the court to grant the bail application of the second defendant.

In her ruling, the trial judge adjourned ruling on the bail application to December 10 and ordered that the three defendants remain in EFCC custody.