A bail application filed by former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has been denied by Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Giving his verdict on Tuesday, Anenih stated that the application was filed prematurely.
According to the judge, the application was incompetent because it was filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court.
Alongside two others, Bello is charged with alleged N110bn money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anenih stated: “Before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on 22nd November. The 1st defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”
She added that the defendant’s counsel JB Daudu (SAN) had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.
“The instant application for bail showed that it was filed on the 22nd of November. This shows that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody,” Anenih said while delivering her ruling.