A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday reserved ruling on the bail application of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello till December 10.
The court ordered the remand of the former governor and his two co-defendants in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello is standing trial over an alleged N110 billion fraud, which the anti-graft agency, described in its charge as a breach of trust.
Justice Maryanne Anenih, who issued the order, said Bello and others should remain in the EFCC custody until there is a ruling on the bail applications.
Bello was arraigned along with Director-General, Kogi State Government House, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge.
The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the judge took arguments from lawyers to parties on the defendants’ bail applications.
Arguing the bail application, defendants’ lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), said his clients were presumed innocent by the law until proven guilty, adding that it is within their rights to enjoy their liberty while preparing for trial.
