The FCT High Court denied former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello's bail application, citing its premature filing before his arraignment. Justice Maryann Anenih ruled the application violated legal procedures under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Bello faces trial over alleged ₦110 billion money laundering charges alongside two co-defendants.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has denied bail to Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State. The ruling was delivered on November 27, 2024, following arguments on the bail application.
The court determined that the application was premature, having been filed on November 22, before Bello’s formal arraignment on November 27. Justice Anenih referenced Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which stipulates that bail applications can only be submitted after a defendant’s arrest, arraignment, or during the hearing of a case. In Bello’s situation, the application was submitted before he surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or faced arraignment.
In her judgment, Justice Anenih emphasized that the legal requirements for a bail application were not met and dismissed the request entirely. This decision means that Bello will remain in custody until further legal proceedings.
The case has drawn reactions from the public, with social media users and commentators speculating on the judicial process and the potential for future developments. Critics have questioned the defense team's approach and speculated on the broader implications of the case within Nigeria's judicial system.
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