The Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Friday following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦80 billion fraud.
Presiding over the case, Justice Emeka Nwite set the bail conditions at ₦500 million, requiring Governor Yahaya Bello to produce two sureties of like sum.
“The two sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and own properties located in Abuja,” Justice Nwite ruled, adding that the title documents of these properties will be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.
Bail Conditions
In addition to the monetary and property requirements, the court mandated that:
- Bello must deposit his international passport with the court.
- He and his sureties are to provide two recent passport photographs each.
- The former governor of Kogi State will remain in Kuje Correctional Center until he meets the bail conditions.
Plea and Case Details
Bello pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charge of money laundering brought against him by the EFCC. The commission, represented by counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, accused the ex-governor of laundering funds while in office.
The case was earlier linked to a separate ₦110 billion fraud charge, for which Governor Yahaya Bello was previously remanded.
At the hearing, Pinheiro withdrew an earlier application to expedite the arraignment process, a move unopposed by the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, and approved by Justice Nwite.
Adjournment
The case has been adjourned to February 24, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing. This development marks a critical point in the ongoing investigation into financial improprieties involving former Governor Yahaya Bello.