Justice Maryann Anenih at the Federal Capital Territory High Court has ruled that former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, along with two others, will remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10.
This decision follows a heated courtroom exchange over bail applications. The court was abuzz as arguments were presented for and against granting bail to Bello. His lawyer, Joseph Bodunde Dauda, SAN, passionately argued for his client's release, emphasizing the legal principle that "the law presumes him innocent until contrary is established."
Dauda further assured the court that Bello was not a flight risk, noting that he had not left Nigeria in seven years and would not interfere with witnesses or evidence, given that the EFCC's investigation was complete.
However, the EFCC's counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, countered these claims, expressing concerns that Bello might "interfere with the witnesses and exhibits," which could jeopardize the integrity of the case.
Justice Anenih, after considering both sides, decided to defer her ruling on the bail applications to December 10. In the meantime, she ordered that Bello and his co-defendants remain in EFCC custody. Notably, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are also implicated in the charges, had previously been granted administrative bail but will now stay detained alongside Bello until the court's decision.
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