Court strikes out Yahaya Bello’s bail application

Justice Maryann of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has dismissed the bail application filed by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.

The court ruled that the application was premature, as it was submitted before Bello was formally taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The bail request was filed on November 22, 2024, four days before the EFCC detained Bello on November 26. Following his detention, Bello was arraigned on November 27 on charges yet to be disclosed by the anti-graft agency.

In her ruling, Justice Maryann emphasized the procedural flaw, stating that bail applications must be filed after a defendant has been taken into custody. Consequently, the premature filing rendered the request invalid and unfit for consideration.

The case has drawn significant attention, with many awaiting further developments as the EFCC proceeds with its legal action against the former governor.

Details later…