Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the stringent bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja.
The court, presided over by Justice MaryAnne Anenih, granted the bail on Thursday, requiring Bello to post a ₦500 million bond and secure three sureties with properties in prime Abuja locations such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.
Bello’s release was confirmed by his spokesperson, Adama Duza, who noted that the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, oversaw the process.
The former governor, alongside co-defendants Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property. All three have pleaded not guilty.
This development marks the beginning of what is expected to be a high-profile legal battle, as Bello and his co-defendants prepare to contest the allegations in court.