Following the fraud saga that involved the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others paraded before the court today, the trio pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges press against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Former governor Bello, been the 1st defendant, fervently denied the allegations pressed against him by Justice Maryann Anenih as they were reeled out by the Court Registrar.
Subsequently, after taking their plea, the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, seek for an application for bail. Which was turned down by the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, saying the application, had since expired in October.
Explaining, the Defendant’s Counsel clarified that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed since November 22.
Considering all the paragraphs of the affidavit, the lawyer revealed that the bail application was also supported with a written address.
He said, “Exhibit A, which is the public summons, is very vital and the appearance of the defendant in Court today, shows he has respect for the law”.
Meanwhile, the anti graft had moved for trial to commence immediately and was ready to present its first witness.
However, Bello’s Counsel argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm on November 26 and that he would require time to prepare his client.
On the bail application, Daudu SAN said the law in the country says a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial,” he said.
“The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the Federal High Court and has refused to appear to take his plea.
“The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT High
Court,” he noted.
While noting some paragraphs in the counter affidavit, the counsel said the prosecution raised issues that had to do with a matter at the Federal High Court.
“When the jurisdiction of the Court is challenged, the defendant needs not to appear until the issues arising from the jurisdiction are resolved,” he noted.
Objecting to the submissions of Bello, counsel to EFCC insisted that his preliminary objection was anchored on three grounds – competence of the application; factual content of the application; and application of judicial principles and guidance.
Recall that Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had earlier been admitted to administrative bail by the EFCC while the former governor appeared before the court for the first time.