In a significant legal development, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, who is facing charges of alleged N10.4 billion fraud.
Bail Conditions and Restrictions
Justice MaryAnne Anenih set the bail at ₦500 million, with stringent conditions to ensure compliance:
Sureties: Bello is required to provide three sureties, each owning property within specific high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, Apo, Wuse 2, Garki, Utako, or Asokoro. These sureties must deposit the property documents with the court registrar and submit recent passport photographs.
Travel Restrictions: The court has mandated that Bello surrender his international passport and other travel documents, effectively barring him from international travel without explicit court approval.
Custody Status: Bello is to remain in Kuje Correctional Facility until all bail conditions are fully satisfied.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Bello, along with co-defendants Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces a 16-count indictment from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges encompass conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. All defendants have entered pleas of not guilty.
Previously, on December 10, Justice Anenih denied Bello’s initial bail application, citing procedural issues, as it was filed prior to his arrest and court appearance. However, the co-defendants were granted bail set at ₦300 million each.
Courtroom Proceedings
During the recent hearing, Bello’s legal representative, J.B. Daudu (SAN), submitted a renewed bail application. The prosecution, led by Olukayode Enitan (SAN), acknowledged ongoing discussions with the defense and chose not to oppose the bail request, deferring to the court’s discretion.
Justice Anenih, after considering the submissions, approved the bail under the specified conditions and scheduled the trial to commence on January 29 and 30, 2025.
Implications
This development marks a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings against the former governor. The stringent bail conditions reflect the court’s intent to ensure compliance and the seriousness of the charges involved. As the trial dates approach, all eyes will be on the unfolding case to see how the allegations of significant financial misconduct are addressed within Nigeria’s judicial system.
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