Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is set to begin a new legal battle for bail at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. Bello, who is facing charges of alleged breach of public trust brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was initially denied bail by a Federal High Court. The court had ruled that his application was premature because it was filed before his arraignment and prior to his surrendering to the EFCC.
Despite the initial setback, Bello, through his lead counsel, Joseph Bodunde Daudu SAN, filed a fresh bail application, which is scheduled for hearing today. The new application argues that the charges against Bello are bailable offenses, and the law presumes his innocence until proven otherwise. In the application, Bello has promised to comply with any bail conditions set by the court, attend all court hearings, and not interfere with the EFCC’s investigation or witnesses.
The EFCC is not expected to object to the bail application, given Bello’s surrender to the authorities and his conduct in court. The case has already seen him granted a N500 million bail at the Federal High Court. Kemi Pinheiro SAN will represent the EFCC in the proceedings.
Bello is facing a significant legal challenge, including a N110 billion money laundering case brought against him by the EFCC. Justice Maryann Anenih, who had earlier rejected his first bail application, has scheduled hearings for January 29-30 and February 25-27, 2025, for the money laundering case.
