A Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court has ordered that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, be remanded in Kuje prison.
The court made this decision while postponing his trial until February 25, 2025.
The court also rejected Bello’s attempt to secure bail while awaiting trial.
This decision came as the former governor faces a 16-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to alleged financial fraud amounting to N110 billion.
Two other former Kogi state officials are also implicated in the case.
Bello has been in EFCC custody since November 25.
His bail request was dismissed as premature by the judge, who pointed out that the motion was filed days before Bello surrendered to the EFCC.
Despite the request, the court granted bail to the two other defendants, setting conditions that include the forfeiture of their travel documents and the sum of N300 million with sureties.
The EFCC has argued that Bello has previously avoided trial, further complicating his legal case.
The agency also claimed the timing of his bail application violated procedural expectations.
The charges accused Bello and the two other officials of embezzling funds and misusing state money to acquire assets, including properties in Abuja and Dubai, as well as transferring large sums to international bank accounts.
