Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to 16 charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, the first defendant, denied the allegations during their arraignment before Justice Maryann Anenih. Following the plea, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, filed a bail application. However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October.
Clarifying the matter, Daudu stated that the relevant application before the court was the bail motion for the first defendant, filed on November 22. Supporting his argument, he referenced the affidavit and written address accompanying the application. He emphasized the importance of Exhibit A, a public summons, noting that Bello’s appearance in court demonstrated his respect for the law.
The EFCC expressed readiness to commence trial immediately and intended to call its first witness. However, Bello’s counsel argued that the defense had received the charges late on the night of November 26 and required additional time to prepare.
Addressing the bail application, Daudu stressed the constitutional presumption of innocence, arguing that the defendant has the right to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial. He also contested the prosecution’s objection, which referenced Bello’s alleged nonappearance for other charges at the Federal High Court. Daudu maintained that issues from another court should not influence the FCT High Court’s proceedings.
He further pointed out that when a court’s jurisdiction is challenged, a defendant is not obligated to appear until jurisdictional issues are resolved.
ALSO READ:
In response, the EFCC counsel argued against the defense’s preliminary objections, focusing on the competence of the application, its factual content, and relevant judicial principles.
Meanwhile, co-defendants Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, while Bello appeared before the court for the first time.
Channels
