The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the sum of ₦500 million over charges of alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, delivered the ruling on Friday, setting stringent bail conditions to ensure compliance.
Bello’s bail terms included providing two sureties with landed properties in Abuja, who must also swear affidavits of means.
The court directed that the properties and affidavits be verified by the deputy chief registrar. Additionally, Bello must deposit his international passport with the court.
Justice Nwite underscored that the court’s decision to grant bail was discretionary, despite the gravity of the charges and previous delays caused by the defendant. “In view of the submissions by both counsels and the assurances provided, I am inclined to grant bail under strict conditions,” the judge said.
The trial is adjourned to February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025.
Bello, who served as Kogi State Governor for two terms, faces 19 counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ranging from money laundering to breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In court, Bello’s lead counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), apologized for previous procedural delays, assuring that his client would attend all trial dates.
“As a two-term governor who traveled abroad only twice during his tenure, he poses no flight risk,” Daudu said.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) did not oppose the bail application, emphasizing that the prosecution seeks justice, not persecution.
“We are prosecutors, not persecutors. Based on the assurances provided, we defer to the court’s discretion,” Pinheiro stated.
Bello is also facing a separate ₦110.4 billion charge before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, where Justice MaryAnne Anenih had earlier ordered his remand pending the determination of his bail application.
Justice Nwite similarly ordered Bello’s remand at Kuje Correctional Facility until his bail conditions are met.