By Ola Akinwunmi
An Abuja High Court has rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing that it was filed prematurely. Justice Maryann Anenih delivered the ruling, stating that the application was incompetent since it was filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court.
Bello is currently standing trial alongside two others on an alleged N110 billion money laundering charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the bail application hearing, Bello’s counsel argued that the former governor would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail if released. However, the prosecution counsel opposed the application, stating that it was grossly incompetent and should have been filed after arraignment.
Justice Anenih noted that Bello’s application was filed on November 22, several days before he was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on November 27. The judge relied on the ACJA section, which provides that a bail application can be made when a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.
While delivering her ruling, Justice Maryann Anenih said, “The instant application for bail showed that it was filed on 22nd of November. This shows that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”
