Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two other defendants, have pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges, which include allegations of fraud, were read out to the accused before Justice Maryann Anenih at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday.
In the proceedings, Bello, the first defendant, categorically denied the allegations, which involved multiple counts of financial misconduct and fraudulent activities during his tenure as governor. He appeared in court alongside two co-defendants: Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. Both Oricha and Hudu were previously admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC, while Bello was making his first court appearance regarding the charges.
After the charges were formally read, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved for a bail application on behalf of the defendants. However, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, asserting that a previous bail request had expired in October. Daudu clarified that the only application before the court was a new motion filed on November 22, 2024, for Bello’s bail.
Daudu emphasized that the application was well-supported by an affidavit and a written address, including a vital public summons document, Exhibit A, which he argued highlighted Bello’s respect for the law by appearing in court as required. Despite the defense’s plea, the EFCC maintained that it was ready to proceed with the trial immediately, even suggesting that its first witness be called to testify.
The defense, however, raised concerns about the short time they had been given to prepare for the case, revealing that the charges were only served to them at 11 p.m. on November 26, just a day before the hearing. Daudu argued that the defendant’s right to liberty should be respected, noting that under Nigerian law, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
On the matter of the bail application, Daudu pointed out that issues from another court, which may have involved the defendant, should not influence the current proceedings. He argued that the court should focus on the issues directly related to the case at hand, ensuring that Bello’s constitutional rights were upheld throughout the trial.
In response, Pinheiro raised several objections, arguing that the bail application lacked competence, factual support, and adherence to judicial principles.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the proceedings to December 10, 2024, to rule on the bail application. In the meantime, the defendants will remain in the custody of the EFCC.
The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it involves high-profile figures and allegations of significant financial misconduct during Bello’s time in office. The case continues to unfold, with further developments expected at the next court session.
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