Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has scheduled December 10 for a ruling on the bail applications of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and two other defendants.
The decision comes after a series of arguments for and against the bail requests, presented by the lawyers representing the accused and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Bodunde Dauda, SAN, pleaded with the court to grant bail on various grounds. He emphasized that the law presumes the former governor innocent until proven guilty, and highlighted that Bello had not traveled abroad for the past seven years, suggesting he was not a flight risk.
Dauda further argued that since the EFCC had completed its investigation and filed charges against the defendants, there was no concern that Bello would interfere with witnesses or evidence.
In response, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the bail application, suggesting that there was a possibility that Bello might interfere with witnesses or tamper with exhibits.
After hearing both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the case, stating that a ruling on the bail applications would be made on December 10. The judge also ordered that the three defendants, including Bello, remain in EFCC custody until the ruling is delivered.
It is noteworthy that Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, the other two defendants, had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, while Yahaya Bello appeared before the court for the first time.
Post a Comment