A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday dismissed a bail application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, describing it as premature and legally deficient.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Maryann Anenih noted that the application, filed before Bello was in custody or brought before the court, was procedurally flawed. “This instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” she stated.
Bello is being tried alongside two others for allegedly laundering N110 billion, a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anenih outlined the arguments, noting that Bello’s legal team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), sought bail on the basis that he was a two-term governor and would neither interfere with witnesses nor abscond. Daudu urged the court to exercise its discretion in granting bail.
In response, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) argued that the application was filed before Bello’s arraignment, rendering it grossly incompetent. The defense countered, asserting there was no legal provision barring the filing of a bail application before it was ripe for hearing.
The court ruled that Bello’s bail application, filed on November 22, predated his detention on November 26 and arraignment on November 27. Citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), Justice Anenih explained that such applications are valid only after a defendant has been arrested, detained, or arraigned, making Bello’s request premature.