The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has rejected a bail application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice Maryann Anenih, who presided over the matter, struck out the application on Tuesday morning, stating that it was prematurely filed. According to the judge, the application violated Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which stipulates that a bail application can only be made after an arrest, arraignment, or during a hearing.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took the former governor into custody on November 26, 2024, and subsequently arraigned him on November 27, 2024. However, the bail application was filed four days earlier, on November 22, when the defendant had yet to surrender to the anti-graft agency.
Justice Anenih emphasized that the timing of the application rendered it invalid, as the law does not permit bail requests before a defendant is formally in custody or arraigned.
The judge dismissed the application entirely, noting that the procedure undermined the legal framework governing criminal trials in Nigeria.
This development adds to the legal challenges facing Yahaya Bello as he confronts allegations of financial misconduct brought against him by the EFCC.
