BREAKING: Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bail Application in N110 Billion Fraud Case

By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu

In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has denied former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s bail application in connection with a N110 billion fraud case. Justice Maryann Anenih dismissed the application, citing that it was filed prematurely, before Bello’s detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to court records, Bello’s bail application was submitted on November 22, four days before his detention by the EFCC on November 26. He was subsequently arraigned on November 27, along with co-defendants Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, on a 16-count charge related to criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

The EFCC, representing the Federal Government, alleges that Bello diverted public funds totaling N110,446,470,089, under case FCT/HC/CR/778/24. Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), argued that the former governor was a two-term leader of Kogi State who would neither interfere with witnesses nor abscond if granted bail.

The EFCC, representing the Federal Government, alleges that Bello diverted public funds totaling N110,446,470,089, under case FCT/HC/CR/778/24

However, Justice Anenih sided with the prosecution, declaring the application inadmissible under the circumstances. In contrast, co-defendant Umar Oricha was granted bail under stringent conditions, including a N300 million bond and two sureties with property in Maitama valued at no less than the bond amount.

Bello’s denial of bail comes as the latest development in the high-profile case, which has garnered significant attention nationwide. As the trial continues, many will be watching to see how the case unfolds.

Read Also: Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Faces Justice: Arraigned Over Alleged N80bn Fraud