Breaking: Court Grants Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello N500m Bail in Major Fraud Case

 

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, granted N500 million bail to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, who is facing trial for an alleged N10.4 billion fraud.

The judge ruled that Bello must deposit his passport with the court and is prohibited from traveling abroad without prior permission from the court.

Bello, along with his co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing 16 charges, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of illegally obtained property. The trio was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 27, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

On December 10, Justice MaryAnne Anenih had dismissed Bello’s initial bail application, deeming it premature and procedurally improper, as it was filed before his arrest or appearance before the court. However, bail was granted to the co-defendants in the sum of N300 million each, and the case was adjourned until January.

On Thursday, Bello’s legal counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), submitted a fresh bail application, which the judge proceeded to hear and subsequently granted.

Justice Anenih set the bail at N500 million, requiring three sureties who must be responsible citizens and landowners in specified high-profile areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, Wuse 2, Garki, Utako, or Asokoro. The sureties must also deposit property documents with the court and provide two recent passport-sized photographs.

The judge also ordered that Bello must remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met. He is required to submit two passport-sized photographs and a copy of his identification, which could be his national ID card or passport.

During the proceedings, Daudu (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution and defense had been in discussions and were committed to expediting the trial. The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan (SAN), confirmed this and indicated no objection to the bail application, leaving the decision to the discretion of the judge.

After hearing from both counsels, Justice Anenih granted the bail and scheduled the trial for January 29 and 30.