The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, setting the amount at ₦500 million with two sureties of equal value. The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Emeka Nwite, outlined strict conditions for the bail.
The sureties must own landed properties in Abuja and provide the title documents, which will be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar. Additionally, they are required to swear an affidavit of means. Both the defendant and his sureties must submit recent passport photographs.
Justice Nwite also ordered the former governor to surrender his international passport and refrain from traveling outside Nigeria without court approval. Pending the fulfillment of these conditions, Bello will remain in Kuje prison.
The court has scheduled February 24 and 28, 2025, for the commencement of hearings on the 19-count charge of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC accuses Bello of mismanaging ₦80.2 billion and using proxies to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai during his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024. Bello has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains his innocence.
The trial promises to be a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
