The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday granted bail to the immediate past Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, setting the amount at ₦500 million with three sureties.
Justice MaryAnne Anenih issued the ruling after considering a fresh bail application, following the court’s previous refusal to grant bail during its last sitting.
Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges, which include criminal breach of trust and money laundering, involve a total of ₦110.4 billion.
The second and third defendants were granted bail at ₦300 million each, with two sureties and additional conditions.
For Bello’s bail, Justice Anenih outlined stringent conditions, requiring the sureties to be responsible citizens and landowners in Abuja’s Maitama, Guzape, Apo, Wuse 2, or Asokoro districts. The sureties must deposit the title documents for the properties with the court registrar, along with two recent passport photographs.
Additionally, Bello must submit two recent passport photographs and a photocopy of a valid means of identification, such as an international passport or national identity card, after presenting the original to the court registrar.
The judge also stipulated that Bello cannot travel without the court’s permission and must remain in the Kuje Correctional Facility until all bail conditions are met.
This decision follows the court’s December 10 refusal to grant Bello bail due to procedural issues. Justice Anenih had ruled that the initial application, filed on November 22, 2024, was premature as it predated Bello’s arraignment on November 27, 2024, and his custody on November 26, 2024.
“The application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused,” the judge stated at the time.
