The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in the sum of ₦500 million.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the session on Friday, directed Bello to provide two sureties in like sum, who must swear to an affidavit of means and own properties in Abuja. The title documents of the properties are to be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.
The court further ordered Bello to surrender his international passport and submit two recent passport photographs, along with the photographs of his sureties. Pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions, Bello is to remain in Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja.
The former governor pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of alleged ₦80 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include allegations of money laundering.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, withdrew an earlier application to expedite the arraignment date, which was subsequently struck out by the court.
Bello had previously been remanded in connection with a separate ₦110 billion charge. The case has been adjourned to February 24, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
