N110bn fraud: Court grants Yahaya Bello N500m bail

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Thursday, December 19, 2024, granted  former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail in the sum of N500 million.

Justice Maryann Anenih had, on December 10, refused the ex-governor’s bail application, saying it was filed prematurely.

Delivering the initial ruling, the judge said having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the application was incompetent.

There was, however, room for Bello’s lawyers to file a fresh application for bail and apply for hearing date.

The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N110 billion along with two others.

He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), informed the court that he had filed a further affidavit in response to the counter affidavit filed and served by the prosecution counsel.

Court remands Yahaya Bello in Kuje prison till January 2025

He applied to withdraw the further affidavit, saying, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.”

There was no objection from the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan (SAN).

The judge, therefore, granted the application for withdrawal, striking out the further affidavit.

Delivering her ruling, Justice Anenih acknowledged that the offence Bello was charged with was a bailable one and granted the ex-governor bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.

Justice Anenih said the sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki and Asokoro areas of Abuja.

Bello was also asked to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

He is to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

The Star