The Federal High Court in Abuja granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail in the amount of ₦500 million on Friday. Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, ordered Bello to provide two sureties. These sureties must own landed properties in Abuja.
Bello faces 19 counts of money laundering, totalling ₦80.2 billion. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges these crimes occurred during his tenure as governor.
Justice Nwite stated, “Bail is the constitutional right of the defendant.” He added, “I hereby grant bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦500 million and two sureties in like sum.”
The sureties must swear an affidavit of means and deposit their travel passports with the court. Bello must also deposit his international passport with the court. The court’s Deputy Chief Registrar must verify the properties’ title documents.
Justice Nwite ordered Bello to remain in Kuje Correctional Center until he meets the bail conditions. The judge adjourned the case to February 24, 28, 2025, and March 6 and 7 for trial.
“I’m Not Guilty” – Bello
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) urged the court to approve reading the charges to Bello. Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), did not oppose this application. When the charges were read, Bello pleaded not guilty to all 19 charges.
Daudu asked the court to note that Bello had only travelled abroad twice as a two-term governor. He pledged that Bello would attend all court sessions and not jump bail.
Justice Nwite acknowledged the lawyers’ submissions. He said, “Ordinarily, bail is at the discretion of the court, but based on the candour of the counsel to the defendant, I am inclined to bend backwards.“
The EFCC alleges that Bello and two others conspired in February 2016 to convert ₦80,246,470,088.88, obtained through a criminal breach of trust. This violates Section 18 (a) and is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.
The court will continue the trial on the scheduled dates in February and March 2025.
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