Yahaya Bello, 2 others plead not guilty to criminal charges by EFCC

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello, who is the first defendant, vehemently denied the charges before Justice Maryann Anenih as they were read out by the court clerk.

After taking the plea, the defendant’s lawyer, JB Daudu, SAN, applied for bail.

But the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, opposed the request, saying it expired in October.

Elaborating, counsel for the defendant explained that the only relevant application before the court was the bail application of the first defendant, which was filed on November 22.

Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.

“Appendix A, which is the public summons, is very vital and the defendant’s appearance in court today shows that he is abiding by the law,” he said.

The EFCC demanded that the trial begin immediately and was ready to call its first witness.

But Bello’s lawyer claimed that they were served with the charge at 26:00 on November 26 and that he would need time to prepare his client.

On the bail application, Daudu SAN said the law in the land states that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.

“It is within his right to enjoy his freedom while he prepares for trial,” he said.

“The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges in the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to enter his plea.

“The court should not use issues from another court to decide issues before the FCT High Court,” he noted.

Highlighting some paragraphs in the counter-affidavit, he said the prosecution had raised issues that had to do with a matter at the Federal High Court.

“When the court’s jurisdiction is challenged, the defendant must not appear until the jurisdictional issues are resolved,” he noted.

Taking issue with Mr. Bello’s arguments, counsel for the EFCC held that his preliminary objection was anchored on three grounds — jurisdiction of the application; the factual content of the request; and application of judicial principles and guidance.

It will be recalled that Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu were earlier admitted on administrative bail by the EFCC while the former governor appeared before the court for the first time.