- Two Sureties, Landed Properties in Abuja Required to Perfect Bail Conditions
- Bello Pleads Not Guilty to 19-Count EFCC Charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the sum of ₦500 million. The bail terms include two sureties with landed properties in Abuja and the submission of the defendant’s international passport to the court.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite stated that the decision to grant bail was at the court’s discretion, despite earlier concerns regarding the defendant’s conduct.
Court’s Ruling
Justice Nwite said, “Bail is granted to the defendant in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in the like sum. The sureties must own landed properties within the jurisdiction of this court, and their documents must be verified by the deputy registrar. The defendant must deposit his international passport with the chief registrar and provide recent passport photographs alongside the sureties. The defendant shall be released once the bail conditions are fulfilled.”
The trial was adjourned to February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025.
Bello’s Charges and Plea
Bello faces a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion.
During the hearing, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. The EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), confirmed the withdrawal of an earlier application for an abridgement of the arraignment date, which Justice Nwite subsequently struck out.
Counsels’ Positions
Bello’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu (SAN), apologised for any perceived disrespect to the court due to earlier jurisdictional challenges raised by his client. He assured the court that Bello posed no flight risk, citing the former governor’s minimal international travel during his tenure.
Pinheiro, representing the EFCC, stated he would not oppose the bail application, noting the assurances given by Bello’s counsel. “We are prosecutors, not persecutors. We accept the assurance that the defendant will be available for trial,” he remarked.
Pending Legal Matters
The former governor is also embroiled in a separate ₦110.4 billion corruption case before Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Justice Anenih had earlier ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje correctional facility pending his bail application hearing.
Justice Nwite also ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje prison until the bail conditions are met.
