The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama to reject the bail application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The EFCC, led by senior lawyer Kemi Pinheiro, argued that Bello has a history of avoiding trial in a separate corruption case in Abuja.
Bello and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, insisted that Bello deserves bail to prepare his defense, emphasizing the presumption of innocence.
However, the EFCC argued the bail request was premature since it was filed before the formal arraignment. The case involves allegations of N110 billion fraud, with Bello accused of using state funds to acquire properties in Abuja valued at over N1.9 billion.