Yahaya Bello loses bail bid, to stay in prison till next year

Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, is to spend the rest of the year and much of January 2025 in the Kuje correctional centre.

This follows the rejection of his bail application by a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, which ordered his remand till January 29, 2025.

Bello’s trial was also adjourned till February 25, next year.

The former governor’s bail bid was turned down because of procedural irregularities in its filing, according to the presiding judge, Justice Maryanne Anenih,

The judge said the bail application was premature, adding that it was filed before Bello’s arraignment and remand.

The former governor and two other suspects is being tried by the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N110 billion money laundering, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property while in office in case number CR/7781.

Bello reportedly misappropriated state funds to acquire several properties, including No. 35 Danube Street in Maitama District, Abuja (worth N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03 in Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (worth N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street in Asokoro, Abuja (worth N920 million).