The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, in the sum of N500 million with three sureties.
The decision, delivered on Thursday, December 19, 2024 by Justice MaryAnne Anenih, follows a fresh bail application after the court previously declined his request. Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involving allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N110.4 billion.
The second and third defendants, Oricha and Hudu, were also granted bail but on lesser terms of N300 million each, along with two sureties and additional conditions.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2023, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The EFCC alleges that the funds were diverted during his tenure.
Details later…
