The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday remanded former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at Kuje Correctional Centre, pending a bail hearing in his ongoing N110 billion money laundering trial.
Justice Maryann Anenih also adjourned the hearing of the case, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to January 29 and 30, and February 25 and 27, 2027.
Bello is facing charges alongside two others, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, for alleged involvement in laundering the massive sum.
The judge rejected Bello’s initial bail application, deeming it premature as it had been filed before his official arraignment. The court ruled that bail motions should only be submitted after a defendant has been formally charged and brought before the court.
Bello, who was aware of the charges against him through public summons, had filed for bail on November 22, 2024, but was not taken into custody until November 26, 2024, and arraigned the following day.
Meanwhile, co-defendants Oricha and Hudu were granted bail at N300 million each, with strict conditions including the submission of their international passports and two sureties with property in Maitama, Abuja.
The court further ruled that the defendants should not leave the jurisdiction without court approval.
