NIGRRIA:Court Grants Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello N500m Bail Amid Money Laundering Trial

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria  

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the sum of N500 million, as he faces a trial over alleged money laundering involving N110 billion.

Justice Maryann Anenih, who presided over the case on Thursday, also required Bello to provide two sureties in like sum and deposit his international passport with the court.

This decision came after an initial ruling on December 10, where Justice Anenih refused Bello’s bail application, describing it as premature since he was neither in custody nor before the court at the time.

With the new application filed by his legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, the court reconsidered the matter.

During the hearing, Daudu informed the court of ongoing discussions between the defence and the prosecution to ensure a speedy trial.

He urged the court to grant the bail application and requested a review of the conditions to broaden the scope of acceptable properties for sureties beyond Maitama to include other locations within the Federal Capital Territory, such as Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.

The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, confirmed the discussions with the defence team and expressed no objection to the withdrawal of a further affidavit initially filed by the defence. Enitan assured the court of the prosecution’s cooperation, leaving the decision on bail to Justice Anenih’s discretion.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih acknowledged that the charges against Bello were bailable and approved the application. She, however, stipulated stringent conditions, including the requirement that the sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed properties in specific areas of Abuja. Until the bail conditions are met, Bello is to remain at Kuje Correctional Centre.

Bello, along with two others, faces a 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and both parties have expressed a commitment to expedite the trial.