Maureen Okpe
The former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello,have been remanded in Kuje prison.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Monday, gave the order while postponing his trial until February 25, 2025.
This is following 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 have been 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 surety.
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.