The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10, 2024. Justice Maryann Anenih issued the ruling on Wednesday after Bello pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property linked to an alleged ₦110 billion fraud.

Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, also entered not-guilty pleas.

EFCC lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed bail, citing Bello’s alleged history of evading legal proceedings. “Several efforts to secure his presence before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, where he is facing another charge, proved abortive,” Pinheiro stated. The prosecution further argued that the bail application was premature, as it was filed before the court formally assumed jurisdiction.

However, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, emphasizing his presumed innocence and voluntary court appearance on November 26. “Granting him bail would enable him to effectively prepare his defence,” Daudu argued, dismissing unrelated EFCC claims as irrelevant to the case at hand.

The EFCC alleges that Bello diverted public funds during his tenure as governor to acquire high-value assets, including:

• ₦950 million for a property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja
• ₦920 million for No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja
• ₦100 million for No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja
• 5.7 million dirhams for a hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai
  Additionally, Bello is accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the USA and holding unlawfully obtained funds amounting to ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

Justice Anenih  has scheduled December 10, 2024, to rule on the bail application. Until then, Bello and his co-defendants remain in EFCC custody. The EFCC has expressed readiness to proceed with the trial, with witnesses lined up to testify in a case that has drawn significant public attention due to the gravity of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the defendants.