The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, granted bail to former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million. Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling, ordered Bello to provide two sureties in like sum, who must own landed properties within the Federal Capital Territory. The sureties are also required to swear an affidavit of means and deposit their travel passports with the court.
Bello, who is facing a 19-count charge of money laundering totaling N80.2 billion, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the offences were committed during his tenure as governor.
At the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), applied to withdraw an earlier motion for an abridgment of time, explaining that it was no longer relevant. The defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal, and the court struck out the application.
Daudu apologised to the court for any misimpression caused by his client’s earlier actions, clarifying that Bello had only sought to explore legal avenues on jurisdictional matters. He further informed the court that both counsel to the parties had been engaging in discussions aimed at reducing the court’s workload.
Pinheiro corroborated that the parties are in talk. However, he requested the defence counsel to give the court an assurance that he would ensure Bello’s presence at next hearings. While urging the court to exercise discretion in granting bail, he noted that it would ease the court’s burden.
Responding, Daudu assured the court that his client would comply with all conditions and be present at the next hearing, “all things being equal.” After standing down to consider the application, Justice Nwite granted the bail application but ordered that Bello should remain in Kuje correctional facility until the bail terms are met.
“Ordinarily bail is at the discretion of the court but going by the conduct of the defendant, I would have taken a second look, but based on the candor of the counsel to the defendant, which was also supported by the prosecuting counsel, I am inclined to bend backwards,” he ruled
Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned to February 24 and 28, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
