The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like amount.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite stipulated that the sureties must own landed properties in Abuja. The court directed that the title documents of the properties be submitted for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar and that the sureties swear to an affidavit of means.
In addition to these conditions, both Bello and his sureties were ordered to provide recent passport photographs. The former governor was also required to surrender his international passport and was barred from traveling outside Nigeria without prior court approval.
Justice Nwite ruled that Bello would remain in Kuje prison until he meets the bail conditions.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed a 19-count of money laundering against Bello, accusing him of mismanaging N80.2 billion during his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Bello used five proxies to acquire choice properties in prime areas of Abuja and Dubai. However, Bello has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
The court scheduled February 24 and 28, 2025, for the commencement of the substantive trial.
