An Abuja High Court has scheduled Dec. 10 for delivering a ruling on the bail application submitted by the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, alongside his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The defendants are facing a 16-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During Wednesday’s court session, Justice Maryann Anenih announced the adjournment after hearing arguments from both the prosecution, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro, and the defense, led by SAN Joseph Daudu.
The case revolves around allegations that Yahaya Bello and the co-defendants are involved in financial crimes, to which they have pleaded not guilty. The court registrar read the charges, and the defendants maintained their innocence.
Following their plea, Daudu filed a motion seeking bail for the defendants, particularly for Bello, the first defendant. However, Pinheiro opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October and lacked sufficient grounds.
Daudu clarified that the relevant application before the court was the motion for bail filed on Nov. 22, which was supported by an affidavit and a written address. He emphasized the importance of Exhibit A, the public summons, stating that Bello’s court appearance demonstrated his respect for the law.
Pinheiro countered the bail request, urging the court to commence trial immediately, expressing readiness to call witnesses. However, Daudu argued that the defense needed more time to prepare, as the charges were served late on Nov. 26. He also stressed that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and bail is a constitutional right that allows the accused to prepare for trial while enjoying their liberty.
Further arguments ensued regarding the prosecution’s claim that Bello was avoiding court appearances in a related Federal High Court matter. Daudu insisted that such issues should not influence the current case, as jurisdictional matters from another court cannot determine proceedings in the Abuja High Court.
After a short recess, Pinheiro presented additional objections, citing the competence of the application, factual content, and judicial principles. He opposed the bail application for the second defendant, Umar Oricha, citing his current role as Director-General of the Kogi State Government House, which could create opportunities for him to reoffend.
However, Daudu argued that the prosecution’s counter affidavit lacked merit, as it relied on speculation rather than concrete evidence of repeated offenses. He urged the court to grant bail, emphasizing that no credible evidence suggested that Oricha was a habitual offender.
Justice Anenih, after listening to the arguments, adjourned the ruling on the bail application until Dec. 10. She ordered that the three defendants remain in EFCC custody until the ruling date. Meanwhile, Oricha and Hudu had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC before the current proceedings.
