Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Granted ₦500 Million Bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, setting the bail amount at ₦500 million.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, outlined stringent conditions for the bail, including the provision of two sureties who must own landed properties in Abuja.

The court stipulated that the title documents of the properties must be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar and accompanied by sworn affidavits of means. Both Bello and his sureties are required to submit recent passport photographs.

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Additionally, the court ordered Bello to surrender his international passport and restricted him from traveling outside Nigeria without prior approval. Pending the fulfillment of these bail conditions, the former governor is to remain in Kuje prison.

The trial is scheduled to commence on February 24 and 28, 2025, during which Bello will face a 19-count charge of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC has accused Bello of orchestrating an ₦80.2 billion fraud during his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024. The commission alleged that he used five proxies to acquire luxury properties in highbrow areas of Abuja and Dubai. Bello, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence.

This case marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria, as the trial promises to shed more light on the allegations surrounding the former governor.