Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, was granted ₦500 million bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello was directed by Justice Emeka Nwite to provide two sureties who must possess properties in Abuja and attest to an affidavit of means. The court stated that its Deputy Chief Registrar would verify the title paperwork for the properties.
According to report, The judge declared on Friday, "I hereby grant bail to the defendant in the sum of N500 million and two sureties in like sum who must possess landed property in Abuja." Bello had previously entered a not guilty plea to the EFCC's accusations of fraud totalling ₦80 billion.
According to Section 18(a) of the Money-Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), the former governor and others are charged with conspiring in February 2016 to convert N80,246,470,088.88, purportedly obtained through a criminal breach of trust, in contravention of Section 15(3).
He is charged with 19 counts. Kemi Pinheiro, the EFCC's attorney, retracted a previous request for an extension of the arraignment date, which Justice Nwite approved. Daudu, Bello's attorney, explained in court that his client did not purposefully avoid going to court.
He clarified, instead, that Bello had given his legal team instructions to appeal the trial court's jurisdiction to higher courts. "The court was not disrespected by my client. Now everything is evident," Daudu remarked.
Daudu emphasised in his bail application that the defendant, a two-term governor, had only taken two trips overseas during his time in office. He gave the court his word that Bello would not flee and would be present at all trial sessions.
The court stressed in her ruling that the right to bail is guaranteed by the constitution. The judge further mandated that Bello be placed under detention in Kuje Correctional Centre until the terms of his bail are fulfilled and ordered him to turn in his international passport.
The trial has been postponed to March 6 and 7, 2025, and February 24, 28. (NAN)
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