Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has scheduled December 10 for the ruling on bail applications for Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi State governor, and two co-defendants.

At the hearing, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Bodunde Daudu, SAN, urged the court to grant his client bail, emphasising that the law presumes Bello innocent until proven guilty.

“The former governor has not left Nigeria in seven years, demonstrating he is not a flight risk,” Daudu argued.

He further assured the court that Bello would not interfere with witnesses or evidence, given that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has concluded its investigations.

However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, strongly opposed the request, raising concerns about potential interference. “Granting bail at this stage could compromise the integrity of the evidence and witnesses,” Pinheiro stated.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Anenih reserved her decision, ordering the defendants to remain in EFCC custody until the ruling is delivered.

This development comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny of Bello’s tenure as Kogi State governor. Notably, co-defendants Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu were previously granted administrative bail by the EFCC, while Bello’s appearance in court marked his first since charges were filed.

The December 10 ruling is expected to set the tone for the case as the prosecution seeks to hold Bello accountable for alleged financial misconduct.