The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of ₦500 million. This decision was made on Friday by Justice Emeka Nwite during the ongoing trial involving alleged money laundering charges leveled against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Nwite ordered that Bello must present two sureties who will swear to an affidavit of means. The sureties are also required to own properties in Abuja, with the title documents subject to verification by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.
Additionally, the former governor must deposit his international passport with the court, along with two recent passport photographs. While the bail conditions are being fulfilled, Bello is to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja.
Yahaya Bello is facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering involving ₦80 billion, filed by the EFCC. Bello, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had earlier filed an application for abridgment of the arraignment date, but this application was withdrawn, with Justice Nwite striking it out upon the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, raising no objections.
The EFCC accuses Bello of diverting public funds during his tenure as governor and engaging in fraudulent transactions amounting to billions of naira.
This high-profile trial has garnered significant public and media attention, as it represents another test of Nigeria’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for alleged financial misconduct.
Bello’s legal team has expressed confidence in his ability to meet the bail conditions promptly, as the trial continues to unfold in court.
