- Judge Maryanne Anenih walked out due to disruptions caused by supporters of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello
- Arguments intensified over the validity of bail for Yahaya Bello and his co-defendants, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposing the motion
- Judge Anenih postponed the ruling on bail applications until December 10, 2024, and ordered the defendants to remain in EFCC’s custody
Judge Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja walked out of the courtroom in anger due to the disorder caused by supporters of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The event unfolded on Wednesday, November 27, when Anenih, who was handling the arraignment of Yahaya Bello and two others, stood up suddenly and announced she would not resume until order was restored in the courtroom.
Judge orders everyone not connected to case to leave courtroom
The judge said, “Anyone not connected to the case, including lawyers, should leave the courtroom.”
Upon hearing the directive, Mr. Bello immediately told his supporters to leave their seats and exit the courtroom. His aides and followers respectfully complied, exiting the court one by one.
The prosecution was led by Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) while Joseph Daudu, another SAN, headed the defence for the former governor.
Yahaya Bello, co-defendants plead not guilty to alleged corruption
The ex-Kogi governor and his two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the 16 counts of allegedly diverting N110 billion from Kogi State, as brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Following the plea submissions, Joseph Daudu, representing Bello, proceeded to make an application for the former governor’s bail.
In response, Kemi Pinheiro, counsel to the EFCC, opposed the bail application, claiming it had been invalid since October. The anti-graft agency had earlier approved administrative bail for the co-defendants.
Reacting to Pinheiro's comment, Dauda argued that the only pertinent application before the court was Bello's bail application, which had been filed on November 22.
Dauda pointed out that the bail application was accompanied by a written address, and highlighted that his client, the former governor, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial.
“The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the federal high court and has refused to appear to take his plea.
“The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT high court,” Dauda stated.
Court orders defendants remain in EFCC custody
After the arguments, Maryann Anenih, the trial judge, called for a brief recess. Upon returning, Pinheiro objected to the bail application of Oricha, the second defendant, citing his continued role as the director-general of the Kogi State Government House.
The EFCC's counsel argued that, if not detained, there is a likelihood he could engage in the same criminal activity once more.
Dauda countered, stating that Pinheiro did not provide any details on where the second defendant is said to have committed another offence following his release on bail.
According to the defence, the EFCC did not establish that the second defendant is known for committing offences repeatedly.
Dauda appealed to the court to grant bail to the second defendant.
In her ruling, the trial judge postponed the decision on the bail application until December 10 and ordered that all three defendants remain in EFCC custody.
“Bushmeat don dey pursue hunter”: Nigerians react as Bello drags EFCC to court
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Yahaya Bello took the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Supreme Court after being declared wanted by the agency.
TheRadar compiled public reactions following the event.