Court Grants Yahaya Bello ₦500m Bail in ₦80.2bn Fraud Case

By Ayomiposi Akinade

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties, following charges related to a ₦80.2 billion fraud. The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who exercised the court’s discretion in granting bail despite the contentious nature of the case.

According to the judge, bail was granted on the condition that two sureties, who must own properties within the jurisdiction of the court, provide an affidavit of means, and the properties be verified by the deputy registrar. Additionally, Bello is required to deposit his international passport with the court registrar. The case has been adjourned to February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025, for further hearings.

Bello faces a 19-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him of money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and breach of trust. During the hearing, Bello pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his lawyer apologized for previous actions, assuring the court that the former governor would attend all trial dates. The EFCC did not oppose the bail request.

Bello is also facing a separate charge of ₦110.4 billion in another court and is currently being held in Kuje prison pending the perfection of his bail terms

Source: The Punch Newspaper