Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to 16 count charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft commission arraigned Bello in person before Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the FCT on Wednesday months after declaring him wanted.
He was arraigned on fraud charges to the tune of N110 billion. However, when the charges were read to him, Bello pleaded not guilty.
After the defendant’s plea was taken, his Counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN, moved an application for bail, which EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN opposed on the grounds that it had expired in October.
Responding, the defendant’s counsel clarified that the only relevant application before the court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant (Bello), which was filed on November 22.
Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he argued that the bail application was also supported with a written address.
He added that the appearance of the defendant in court today shows he has respect for the law.
While emphasising that Nigerian law presumes an accused innocent until proven guilty, the defence counsel noted that it was within his client’s rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial.
The EFCC had moved for trial to commence immediately and was ready to call its first witness.
But defence counsel argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm on November 26 and that he would need time to prepare his client.
Source: Daily Sun
