The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in his ongoing money laundering case.
Justice Maryanne Aninih set Bello’s bail at N500 million and ordered that he provide two sureties of equal value. These sureties must be prominent Nigerians with landed properties in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
Bello is also required to surrender his passport and travel documents to the court registrar and remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kuje until he meets the bail conditions.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Bello, along with two Kogi State officials Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha on 16 counts of money laundering and conspiracy. The EFCC alleges that they diverted N110.4 billion in state funds to purchase properties in Abuja and Dubai.
This ruling follows the court’s earlier decision on December 10, which denied Bello’s initial bail application, deeming it premature. The current decision offers Bello a chance at temporary freedom while awaiting the continuation of his trial.