Why I Can’t grant bail to Yahaya Bello – Judge

By Babajide Adekunle

 

Justice Maryanne Anenih has rejected the application for bail filed by counsels to the fraud-tainted former governor, Yahaya Bello.

During the bail hearing, on Tuesday, Justice Anenih noted that Bello’s counsel preemptive bail requested, which they had filed before the former governor’s actual arraignment before her.

“Consequently, the instant application, having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said. The judge ordered that Bello should be kept in Kuje Prisons.

In her other rulings, Justice Anenih granted bail to Bello’s co-defendants, namely Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu in the sum of N300m each, with two sureties who own properties worth the bail sum. The sureties, the judge said, must be residents living in the area covered under the court’s jurisdiction.

She adjourned further proceedings till January 29 next year

The EFCC is accusing Bello and his co-accused of stealing over N110billion in public funds. At the last hearing, the court had ruled the anti-graft body take custody of Bello.

The former governor gave in to the EFCC after months of playing fugitive to the law.