Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho.
They are co-defendants with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a ₦12.4 billion fraud case brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Defence attorneys J.B. Daudu, SAN, representing Hudu, and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing Oricho, argued that their clients should be released from the EFCC’s holding facility.
However, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed their release, citing the lack of formal written applications.
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Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, stating that bail applications must be submitted in writing. “You must come formally,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of adhering to proper legal procedures.
Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024, and have since been remanded in EFCC custody.
During the proceedings, Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC had complied with an earlier order to publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper, as the former governor had repeatedly failed to appear for his arraignment.
“We have complied with the court order and filed an affidavit of compliance,” he stated.
On October 3, 2024, the court issued a public summons against Yahaya Bello following his refusal to attend court for arraignment on new 16-count charges related to the ₦12.4 billion fraud.
Justice Anenih adjourned the case until November 14 and 20, 2024, for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment.
