NIGERIA: Court Grants Yahaya Bello N500m Bail, Orders Return To Kuje Prison Pending Conditions

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, in the sum of ₦500 million.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on Friday after Bello pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80 billion, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The bail conditions include two sureties with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. The sureties must swear to affidavits of means, and their title deeds are to be verified by the court registrar. Bello is also required to submit his international passport.

Despite the bail approval, the court ordered that Bello remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfills the conditions.

During Friday’s proceedings, Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, clarified the reasons for his client’s previous absences in court. He explained that the defendant had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, a matter that escalated to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Daudu assured the court of Bello’s commitment to attend all future proceedings, emphasizing his client’s track record of responsibility during his tenure as a two-term governor.

“We urge your lordship to grant us very reasonable conditions of bail such that he will be able to bear. The defendant will always be present in court at all times,” Daudu stated.

Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC, acknowledged the defense counsel’s assurances and confirmed the prosecution’s decision not to oppose the bail application.

“We are prosecutors, not persecutors,” Pinheiro noted, emphasizing the EFCC’s professional commitment to justice.

He also highlighted the collaborative approach between both counsels to ensure an efficient trial process.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite recognized the cooperation between the parties and their mutual effort to ease the court’s workload.

“I am minded to change my earlier stand on this matter,” the judge stated before granting bail.

The court adjourned the case to February 24, 2025, for further hearing.