Court Sends Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello To Prison Over Alleged ₦110bn Fraud

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has ordered the remand of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged ₦110 billion fraud charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryanne Anenih, ruling on Tuesday, dismissed Bello’s bail application, declaring it premature as it was filed before his arrest and arraignment. 

The court ruled that Bello would remain in custody pending further proceedings, which have been adjourned to January 29, 2025.

“Having been filed prematurely, the application is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih stated. 

Bello’s bail application was submitted on November 22, four days before his arrest on November 26 and subsequent arraignment on November 27.

Meanwhile, the court granted bail to Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, setting their bail at ₦300 million each, with two sureties who must own property of equivalent value within the court’s jurisdiction.

Bello’s legal team is expected to file a fresh bail application and request an expedited hearing to avoid him spending the holiday season in Kuje prison.

The trial resumes on January 29, 2025.