The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has struck out the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing premature filing as the reason. Justice Maryann ruled on Tuesday that the application, filed on November 22, was invalid as it preceded Bello’s arrest and arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC took Bello into custody on November 26, arraigning him alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu on November 27 before Justice Anenih. The trio face a 16-count charge involving allegations of criminal breach of trust and mismanagement of funds totaling N110.4 billion, among other offenses, in case number FCT/HC/CR/778/24.
Justice Maryann emphasized that bail applications must be filed under appropriate circumstances and declined to entertain Bello’s prematurely submitted motion. The EFCC, acting on behalf of the Federal Government, has accused the former governor and his co-defendants of misappropriating public funds during his tenure.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with legal analysts noting the precedence set by the court’s decision to prioritize procedural accuracy in bail applications. Bello remains in EFCC custody as the trial proceeds.
