By Abigail Philip David
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of ₦500 million, along with three sureties. The decision, delivered on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih, followed a fresh bail application after the court initially denied his request during the last hearing.
Bello, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.
For the co-defendants, the court set bail at ₦300 million each, with two sureties and other stipulated conditions.
Bail Conditions
Justice Anenih outlined specific conditions for Bello’s release. The sureties must be responsible citizens and landowners in Abuja’s Maitama, Guzape, Apo, Wuse 2, or Asokoro districts. The sureties must submit property documents and two recent passport photographs to the court registrar.
Bello is also required to provide two recent passport photographs, a photocopy of a valid means of identification (International Passport or National Identity Card), and must present the original to the registrar. Additionally, he is prohibited from traveling without court approval and will remain in Kuje Correctional Facility until all bail conditions are fulfilled.
Previous Bail Denial
The court had earlier rejected Bello’s bail request on December 10, citing procedural issues. Justice Anenih ruled that the application, dated November 22, 2024, was filed prematurely—prior to Bello’s arraignment on November 27, 2024, and before he was taken into custody on November 26, 2024.
She stated, “The application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”
This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing trial of the former governor and his co-defendants.
