The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday granted bail to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties in like sum.
The court also set conditions for his release, including sureties with landed property in specific areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the deposit of his international passport with the court.
Bello is facing trial for alleged money laundering involving N110 billion, along with two co-defendants.
He has pleaded not guilty to 16 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His initial bail application was rejected earlier in December, but a fresh application was filed, leading to Thursday’s ruling.
At the hearing, his defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, withdrew a further affidavit filed in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, and discussions between both legal teams were noted as ongoing to expedite the trial.
Bello remains in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met. This case adds to the former governor’s multiple legal challenges.
