An Abuja Federal Capital Territory High court presided over by Justice Maryanne Anenih on Wednesday, remanded the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged alleged money laundering.
Bello and two former officials of the Kogi State Government—Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha – were alleged to have conspired to use state government funds to acquire properties in high-brow areas within the FCT and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, worth N110.4 billion, which the accused had pleaded not guilty to when the charge was read to them in court.
According to Daily Trust, Justice Aninih remanded Bello and adjourned the matter to December 10 for ruling after the lawyers in the matter argued the bail application.
Joseph Daudu (SAN), defence counsel, had asked the court to grant bail to the former governor as the alleged offences were bailable.
But, prosection counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), challenged the competence of the bail application, arguing that it was filed only on November 22 while the arraignment had not been done.
There was heavy deployment of security around the court premises, comprising the army, DSS, EFCC and police operatives in court on Wednesday.
Before the Yahaya Bello was arraigned a mild drama occured when Justice Anenih walked out when his supporters besieged the courtroom.
More to come…
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