Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello will remain in Kuje prison, Abuja, during the 2024 Christmas season after the Federal Capital Territory High Court refused his bail application.

Justice Maryann Anenih on Tuesday rejected the application, ruling that it was filed prematurely. She also adjourned the case to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further hearings.

Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is standing trial for alleged involvement in a N110 billion money laundering scheme brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While the judge admitted Oricha and Hudu to bail at N300 million each with two sureties, she ruled that Bello’s bail application was “incompetent,” having been filed before his custody or arraignment.

“The application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” Justice Anenih declared, noting that Bello had filed the application on November 22, four days before being taken into custody on November 26 and subsequently arraigned on November 27.

The court had previously heard arguments from Bello’s counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, who urged for bail on the grounds of his client’s status as a former two-term governor and assurances that he would not jump bail or interfere with witnesses.

Prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the application, arguing that bail applications could only be filed after arraignment, citing provisions under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The judge affirmed that under the ACJA, bail applications are only valid after a defendant has been arrested, detained, arraigned, or brought before the court.