Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Pleads Not Guilty to EFCC Charges, Requests Bail

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, along with two co-defendants, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a 16-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges were read before Justice Maryann Anenih at a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

After Bello’s plea was taken, his counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, filed an application for bail, emphasizing Bello's respect for the law as demonstrated by his court appearance.

"Exhibit A, which is the public summons, is very vital, and the appearance of the defendant in court today shows he has respect for the law," Daudu argued.

The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, objected to the application, arguing it had expired in October. However, Bello’s legal team clarified that the only relevant bail application before the court was filed on November 22 and included supporting documents.

Daudu further asserted that under Nigerian law, a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He argued that Bello had the right to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial.

"It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial," Daudu said, urging the court not to use issues from another case to determine the matter at hand.

The EFCC was prepared to proceed with its first witness and urged the court to begin the trial immediately. Pinheiro objected to the defense's claims, citing procedural concerns about the bail application and Bello's previous refusal to appear in another case at the Federal High Court.

Pinheiro highlighted that Bello’s preliminary objection to jurisdiction at the Federal High Court was a key factor in his delayed appearance.

Justice Anenih noted the defense's request for additional time to prepare their case, as they had received the charge late on November 26. The court is expected to rule on the bail application and set a trial date in subsequent sessions.

The EFCC’s charges against Bello and his co-defendants include allegations of mismanagement and corruption. While the former governor is appearing for the first time, his co-defendants, Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, had been granted administrative bail by the EFCC earlier.