Alleged N110.4b fraud: Court dismisses bail applications of Yahaya Bello’s Co-defendants

Stanley Ihedigbo

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  High Court, Maitama, Abuja, dismissed oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, who are co-defendants with the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello in an N110.4 billion fraud case, preferred again them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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 based on 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.

Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024, before Justice Anenih and were remanded in the EFCC’s custody.

Oyedepo,  during 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 dishonor 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 new 16-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.