The Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricha. who are co-defendants with the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello in a N110.4billion fraud case preferred again them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryanne Anenih dismissed the oral bail on Thursday.
The EFCC had filed fresh charges against the wanted former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, accusing him of N110billion fraud.
The EFCC had initially filed 19 charges against the former Kogi governor, along with his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for money laundering offences amounting to N80,246,470,088.88.
However, in the fresh 16 charges dated September 25, the total sum of the same money laundering offences rose to N110,446,470,89.00.
Bello, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu were listed as first to third defendants.
While 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, 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. “You must come formally,” she said, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.
Oyedepo, during the Thursday’s proceedings, 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.
“We have complied with the court order and have filed an affidavit of compliance,” he said.
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 new16-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.