A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

This follows the court’s decision to reject his bail application, pending further proceedings in the case scheduled for January 29, 2024. Bello, along with two co-defendants, is facing an N110 billion money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering her ruling on Tuesday, Justice Maryanne Anenih described Bello’s bail application as “premature” and “incompetent,” noting that it was filed on November 22, four days before his arrest on November 26 and subsequent arraignment on November 27. “Consequently, the instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih ruled.

While rejecting Bello’s application, the judge granted bail to his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, at N300 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must also possess property within the court’s jurisdiction valued at the stipulated amount.

Commenting on the court’s decision, a legal expert observing the case said, “Justice Anenih’s ruling underscores the importance of timing and procedure in bail applications. Filing too early can render an otherwise valid request inadmissible.”

Bello’s legal team is now considering filing a fresh bail application and seeking an early hearing date to avoid their client spending the festive season behind bars. “While we respect the court’s decision, we are exploring all legal options available to ensure our client’s rights are protected,” a lawyer from Bello’s defence team stated.

The court has adjourned the matter to January 29, leaving the former governor’s immediate future uncertain as he remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.