From Victor Osula, Abuja
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Maitama Abuja, has ordered the remand of the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, pending ruling on his bail application slated for December 10, 2024.
Bello alongside two other defendants is facing a 16-count charge of money laundering offences amounting to N110,446,470,89.00. He had gone underground since a failed attempt by the EFCC to arrest him at his residence in Abuja in April.
Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC in April 2024.
On Tuesday, Bello formally surrendered to the EFCC and was subsequently detained to face his trial on charges bordering conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
Marked, CR/7781, the charges alleged that the former governor misused state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).
Other properties the defendants allegedly acquired with funds stolen from the Kogi state treasury, included Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams), Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
He is also accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing unlawfully obtained property, including N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Bello alongside his co-defendants vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryann Anenih as they were read out to them on Wednesday.
Making arguments in support of Bello’s bail application after the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, his lawyer Joseph Daudu, said, “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.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial. 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.”
Meanwhile, Justice Anenih has adjourned the ruling on the bail application until December 10.
The court also ordered that the former Governor be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending the ruling.
