Court Grants Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello N500 Million Bail Over N110.4 Billion Fraud Case
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has been granted bail in the sum of N500 million by Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja. This comes as Bello faces a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N110.4 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bail Plea and Ruling
Bello, through his counsel, J.B. Daudu SAN, appealed to the court to broaden the locations for sureties’ property beyond Maitama. His counsel argued that obtaining Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents in Maitama was particularly challenging due to the area’s peculiarities.
“My Lord, most potential sureties are unwilling to part with their original title documents. Moreover, many Maitama properties are corporate establishments like Transcorp Hilton and NCC. We request the court to consider other highbrow areas like Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and others,” Daudu pleaded.
The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Eniton SAN, did not oppose the bail request, expressing confidence in Bello’s commitment to stand trial.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih granted bail with the following conditions:
- A bail sum of N500 million.
- Three sureties in like sum, each being a notable Nigerian with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.
- Bello’s passport and other travel documents to be deposited with the court registrar.
The judge ordered that Bello remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Kuje, until the bail conditions are met.
Co-Defendants and Case Progress
Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, also had their bail conditions reviewed. Justice Anenih reduced their bail from N300 million to N200 million, allowing properties within the court’s jurisdiction with equivalent value to be used as collateral.
The court adjourned the substantive case to January 29, 2024, to allow all parties to prepare for trial.
EFCC’s Charges
The EFCC accused Bello and his co-defendants of diverting N110.4 billion in public funds through fraudulent schemes. The charges include criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
This high-profile case has drawn significant public interest, marking another step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption in governance.