The Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of ₦500 million. This decision comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Bello on a 19-count charge related to alleged money laundering involving a sum of ₦80 billion.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, specified stringent bail conditions for the former governor. As part of the ruling, Bello is required to produce two sureties who must each post the same ₦500 million bail amount. These sureties are obligated to swear to an affidavit of means, confirming their ability to meet the financial requirements set by the court. Additionally, the sureties must own properties located within Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
To ensure the credibility of the sureties' claims, the court directed that the title documents of these properties be submitted for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court. This step is meant to validate the authenticity of the properties and ensure compliance with the bail requirements.
Further conditions for the bail include the surrender of Yahaya Bello's international passport to the court to prevent the risk of flight or evasion of justice. Bello must also submit two recent passport photographs alongside those of his sureties, as part of the documentation process for his bail.
Justice Nwite ordered that Bello be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja until he fully complies with all the bail conditions outlined by the court. This measure ensures that the bail terms are strictly adhered to before his release.
It should be noted that Bello has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the EFCC. The commission had earlier presented the 19-count charge, accusing the former governor of involvement in financial irregularities and alleged money laundering. The case continues to draw public and legal attention as it unfolds.
