Court Postpones Ruling on Yahaya Bello and Co-Defendants’ Bail to December 10
The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its ruling on the bail application of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants to December 10.
Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving the alleged misappropriation of ₦110 billion. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were read before Justice Maryanne Anenih.
Following their plea, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, requested bail for the accused. However, the EFCC's counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October. Daudu clarified that the relevant bail application, submitted on November 22, pertains specifically to the first defendant, Yahaya Bello, and is supported by a written address and affidavit.
Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC custody pending the court's decision.
The EFCC’s charges mark a significant legal challenge for Bello, who maintains his innocence against the allegations.
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello and Two Others Plead Not Guilty to EFCC Criminal Charges
Adeleke: My Administration Has Settled N12bn Pension Debt
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has announced that his administration has cleared ₦12 billion in pension debt within two years in office. The governor disclosed this during a state broadcast marking the second anniversary of his administration.
Highlighting his achievements, Adeleke noted significant strides in pension payment, infrastructure development, and health sector improvements.
"In line with accountability and our responsibility to the electorate, I must render my stewardship halfway into this administration," Adeleke said.
Pension Payments and Public Service Improvements
The governor revealed that his administration has paid about ₦12 billion in pension debt within two years, surpassing the ₦11 billion paid by the previous government over 12 years.
Healthcare Advancements
Adeleke emphasized the administration's focus on preventive healthcare, upgrading 200 primary health care centers out of the nearly 400 in the state. These centers now have solar power, boreholes, and medical supplies. Additionally, over 100,000 residents benefited from two major medical outreaches, with a third edition underway. About 29,000 pensioners have been enrolled in a health insurance scheme to support their healthcare needs.
Water Supply and Agriculture
The governor highlighted the completion of 332 boreholes across all political wards, with another 332 in progress. His administration has also revitalized farm settlements, launched cocoa and cashew expansion projects, and procured 31 tractors to advance farm mechanization.
Education Milestones
In education, the University of Ilesa has become operational with take-off grants and accredited courses. Internal road rehabilitation at the university is ongoing. At Osun State University, four abandoned projects were completed, and a new anatomy laboratory was constructed. Additionally, 99 secondary schools have been rehabilitated, six technical colleges upgraded, and new teachers are set to receive appointment letters soon.
Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to completing ongoing projects and addressing the infrastructural and social needs of Osun State residents, pledging continued service and dedication to the state's development.
Yahaya Bello and Two Others Plead Not Guilty to EFCC Criminal Charges
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two others have pleaded not guilty to the 16-count criminal charges read to them by Justice Maryann Anenih. The charges include the fraudulent conversion of N110 billion for personal use, among other allegations.
Bello, the first defendant, strongly denied all charges as they were read by the court registrar. As of the time of reporting, the court proceedings were set to proceed with discussions on bail.
It’s worth noting that Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, co-defendants in the case, had already been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, while Bello appeared before the court for the first time.
RAD ALSO: Alleged Fraud: Yahaya Bello Appears at FCT High Court
