The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, in a case involving allegations of fraud totaling N110.4 billion.
Justice MaryAnne Anenih, presiding over the case, set the bail at N500 million with three sureties, following a fresh application after Bello’s initial bail request was denied.
Bello, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing 16 charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
In her ruling on Thursday, Justice Anenih outlined the conditions for Bello’s bail. “The sureties must be responsible citizens and landowners in designated areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, Apo, Wuse 2, or Asokoro,” she stated. The sureties are required to deposit property documents with the court registrar, along with two recent passport photographs.
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Justice Anenih further instructed Bello to provide two recent passport photographs and a valid form of identification, such as an international passport or national identity card, with the originals presented for verification. Additionally, Bello must obtain the court’s permission before traveling. “The first defendant must not travel without the permission of this court and shall remain in the Kuje Correctional Facility until the bail conditions are met,” she ordered.
The second and third defendants were granted bail under slightly less stringent conditions, set at N300 million each with two sureties.
This development follows the court’s earlier refusal to grant Bello bail on December 10. At the time, Justice Anenih cited procedural errors in the application. The initial request, dated November 22, 2024, was filed before Bello’s arraignment on November 27, 2024, and his placement in custody on November 26, 2024.
“Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent,” Justice Anenih had ruled. “Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”
The case continues, as all defendants await trial under their respective bail conditions.
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