Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has been granted N500 million bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja following his not-guilty plea to a 19-count charge of fraud and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Court Ruling
Presiding over the case, Justice Emeka Nwite granted Bello bail of ₦500 million. The former governor is also required to provide two sureties in the same amount. The sureties must own landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court in Abuja.
Bello had pleaded not guilty to the alleged ₦80 billion fraud and money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Announcing the judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite said “Given the foregoing, I am prepared to grant the application made by both counsel. I hereby grant bail to the defendant in the following terms: One—bail is granted to the defendant for ₦500 million, with two sureties in the like sum. The two sureties shall own a landed property within the jurisdiction of this court, Abuja.
“The two sureties shall swear to an affidavit of means, and the documents of the property shall be verified by the chief deputy registrar of this honorable court. The defendant shall deposit his international passport with the chief registrar of this honorable court.
“The defendant and the sureties shall each deposit two recent passport photographs with the deputy chief registrar of this honorable court. He (The defendant) shall be released upon the perfection of the bail terms.” He concluded.
Until the bail conditions are met, Bello will remain in custody at Kuje Prison. The case has been adjourned to February 24, February 28, March 6, and March 7, 2025, for trial.
What Next For Bello?
Additionally, Bello has another pending case involving a ₦110.4 billion money laundering charge before Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
In the N110.4 billion case, Justice Anenih had previously ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje Correctional Facility after rejecting his bail application due to procedural irregularities.
This means Bello would remain at the Kuje correctional facility until he his able to complete the procedure for bail in his case before Justice Anenih.
