The Federal Capital Territory High Court has turned down a bail application filed by the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.
In a short ruling, the judge, Maryann Anenih, held: ” The bail application was filed prematurely.”
While delivering the ruling, she said, having been filed when the 1st defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, this instant application was incompetent.
“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she ruled further.
The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an alleged N110bn money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
While arguing on the bail application during the trial, the judge said, “Before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on 22nd November. The 1st defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi state. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”
She said the defendant’s counsel, J. B. Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.
The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.
