The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih also adjourned the trial to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further hearings.
Bello, alongside two co-defendants, is facing charges of alleged ₦110 billion money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court refused an earlier bail application filed by Bello, ruling it premature.
Filed on November 22, the application predated his custody on November 26 and arraignment on November 27, contravening provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which stipulates that bail applications must follow a defendant’s detention or arraignment.
While Bello remains in custody, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, has been granted bail under stringent conditions, including ₦300 million and two sureties with property in Maitama valued at the same amount.
Oricha is to remain in custody until the conditions are met.
The case, which highlights judicial adherence to procedural requirements, will continue in early 2025.
