Court Remands Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello In EFCC Custody
Our heritage reporter reports that the federal capital territory (FCT) high court has remanded Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello was arraigned on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering on Wednesday.
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Justice Maryanne Anenih, who issued the order on Wednesday, said Bello and others should remain in EFCC custody until December 10 when she planned to rule on the ex-governor’s and the co-defendants’ bail applications.
Earlier, Bello was arraigned along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.
Bello, Oricha and Hudu pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the judge took arguments from lawyers to parties on the defendants’ bail applications.
The EFCC is, in the charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4billion
Bello, who is the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday, as they were read out to them.
After taking their plea, the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved an application for bail. But the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, saying it had expired in October.
Making clarifications, the Defendant’s Counsel clarified this, saying that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed on November 22.
Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.
“Exhibit A, which is the public summons is very vital and the appearance of the defendant in Court today, shows he has respect for the law,” he said.
The EFCC had moved for trial to commence immediately and was ready to call its first witness.
But Bello’s Counsel argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm on November 26 and that he would need time to prepare his client.
On the bail application, Daudu said the law in the country says a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial,” he said.
“The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to take his plea.
“The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court,” he noted.
Pointing out some paragraphs in the counter affidavit, he said the prosecution raised issues that had to do with a matter at the Federal High Court.
“When the jurisdiction of the Court is challenged, the defendant need not to appear until the issues arising from the jurisdiction are resolved,” he noted.
Objecting to the submissions of Mr. Bello, counsel to EFCC held that his preliminary objection was anchored on three grounds – competence of the application; factual content of the application; and application of judicial principles and guidance.
Messrs Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had earlier been admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC while the former governor appeared before the court for the first time.
The court adjourned to December 10 for a ruling on the bail application, adding that the defendants are to be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.
