In a recent development, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a former Governor of Kogi State, along with two others, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The defendants are facing 16 counts related to conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
The court has set a date of December 10, 2024, to rule on the bail application submitted by the defendants’ legal team. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the former governor had presented himself to the EFCC after being scheduled for arraignment since April.
Arguments for and against the bail application were presented by both the defense and prosecution counsels. The defense emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, while the prosecution raised concerns about the defendant’s position as a government official and the possibility of reoffending.
After a recess, the judge adjourned the ruling on the bail application and ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC custody until the next hearing. The charges against the defendants include allegations of misusing state funds to acquire various properties and transferring significant amounts of money to foreign accounts.