The long-awaited arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello finally holds as he pleads not guilty to the 16-count money laundering charge.
His co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to the same charge before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court in Maitama.
Following his plea, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu filed a bail application dated November 22 predicted on six grounds, noting that his client’s presence in court is an obedience to the summons issued to him.
However, the EFCC moved for trial to commence immediately, noting that it is ready to call its first witness, but Daudu argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm on November 26 and will need time to prepare his client.
Daudu said the prosecution objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to take his plea, stating that the court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High Court.
The EFCC replied that their objection to Dadu’s submission is anchored on three grounds: the application’s competence, factual content of the application, and application of judicial principles and guidance to the application.
The EFCC said the court has only just assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendant, and that the bail application cannot come before arraignment, having been filed on November 22.
The EFCC noted that it is only after arraignment that the bail application can arise and be heard, stating that the application is premature, hasty, and contradicts the meaning of bail.
After listening to the submission of lawyers back and forth, the trial Judge stood the case down for a short recess.
When the court reconvened, the prosecution counsel also opposed the bail application for the 2nd Defendant, saying since he was still a government official serving as the Director-General, Kogi State Government House, there was the likelihood of him committing the same offence.
But the Defendant’s Counsel argued that the use of “may” in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit did not show where the 2nd defendant allegedly committed another offence after being granted bail.
After listening to the submissions of the lawyers, Justice Anenih adjourned ruling on the bail application to December 10 and directed that the three defendants remain in EFCC custody.
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At the FCT High Court the former Governor, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are being prosecuted as 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh N110 billion 16-count charge instituted against them by the EFCC.
On the last adjourned date, the EFCC, sought for adjournment on grounds that there is a 30-day window still running for the summons earlier issued by the court, urging the court for extension of time for Bello to appear before the court.
The other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, however have been given administrative bail by the EFCC, which they still enjoy.
Bello is also facing N80.2 billion fraud charges before the Federal High Court which have been adjourned several times at the instance of his absence in court.
(Editors: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie and Terverr Tyav)
