The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has denied the bail application of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, who remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryann Anenih delivered the ruling on Tuesday, rejecting Bello’s plea for release.
The former governor faces ongoing legal challenges as his detention continues under EFCC investigation.
The judge said that as of the 22nd of November when the application was filed, the 1st defendant was not in custody.
"Why was the application filed when the 1st defendant was not in custody? The implication of this is the jurisdiction of the court was invoked too early," the judge said.
Having been filed when the circumstances were not present the instant application was prematurely filed.
The court therefore agreed with the prosecution that the motion was incompetent.
"The motion for bail filed by the 1st defendant is accordingly struck out," the court ruled.