The charge is bordering on money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of about N80.2 billion.
The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Friday, pleaded "not guilty" to the 18-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charge is bordering on money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of about N80.2 billion.
After the charge was read to him, Bello responded that he was not guilty of all 18 counts.
When the case was called for hearing, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of the intention of the prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgement of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.
Meanwhile, Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing Bello, did not object to the withdrawal.
However, Justice Nwite granted the request and struck out the application.
SaharaReporters had reported that Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court last Tuesday ordered the remand of Bello at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over alleged N110billion fraud.
The court, which remanded Bello, who fled trial for months, in prison pending his bail application, adjourned the case to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further hearings.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Justice Anenih rejected Bello's bail application, stating it had been filed prematurely.
During the bail application hearing, the judge noted, "Before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on November 22.
“The first defendant seeks an order granting him bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“He claims to have learned of the charge through public summons and asserts that, as a two-term governor, he would not interfere with witnesses or flee if granted bail."
She referred to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which states that a bail application can only be made after the defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.
The court therefore agreed with the prosecution that the motion was incompetent.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Dr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had vehemently countered the bail application, citing the antics of the former governor who has been running from pillar to post.
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