Yahaya Bello to Remain in EFCC Custody Until December 10

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, has ordered the continued detention of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10. The court will deliver its ruling on his bail application on that date.

Justice Maryann Anenih issued the order on Wednesday after Bello and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC. The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property related to an alleged N110 billion fraud.

The EFCC, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro, urged the court to deny Bello’s bail application, citing concerns over his alleged history of evading trial. According to Pinheiro, Bello had previously failed to appear before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, where he faces separate charges.

“Several efforts to secure his presence at the Federal High Court have proved abortive,” Pinheiro told the court, emphasizing that Bello poses a flight risk. The EFCC argued that allowing him bail could hinder the judicial process and undermine the ongoing investigation into the fraud allegations.

Furthermore, the prosecution contended that the bail application was procedurally flawed, describing it as “incompetent” because it was filed before the court formally assumed jurisdiction over the case. The EFCC insisted that the timing and manner of the application rendered it invalid, urging the court to prioritize the integrity of the judicial process.

Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until December 10, when a decision on the bail application will be made. Meanwhile, Bello and his co-defendants will remain in EFCC custody.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and Bello’s high-profile status as a former governor. Observers are keenly awaiting the court’s decision, which could set the tone for how financial crime cases involving prominent figures are handled moving forward.