Local Gist

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has rejected the bail request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

Bello is standing trial, along with two others, on an alleged N110bn money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryanne Anenih, in a ruling on Tuesday, faulted the competence of Bello's bail application, stating that it was filed prematurely.

Justice Anenih held that, since the application was made when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, it was deemed incompetent.

She said: "Consequently, the instant application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused."