Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed the oral bail applications of co-defendants with former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello.
Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, who are co-defendants with the former Kogi State governor in a N110.4 billion fraud case, preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing Hudu and Oricho, respectively, argued that their clients were due for release from the holding facility of the Commission. However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed their release on the basis of mere oral applications.
Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, stating that the bail applications should be made in writing, even as she emphasized the importance of following proper legal procedures.
Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024 before Justice Anenih and were remanded in the EFCC’s custody.
Oyedepo, during the proceedings on Thursday, 24th October 2024, informed the court that the EFCC had complied with its earlier order that the Commission should publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper, as the former governor continues to dishonour court rulings for his appearance for arraignment.
It will be recalled that on October 3, 2024, the court issued a public summon against Yahaya Bello following his refusal to make court appearances for his arraignment on new 16-count charges of fraud to the tune of N110.4 billion, filed against him by the EFCC.
Justice Anenih adjourned the case until November 14 and 20, 2024, for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment.
