The Federal High Court in Abuja has provided former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, with bail set at ₦500 million.
Bail Conditions
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, mandated that Bello must secure two sureties who would also guarantee the same amount. These sureties are required to swear affidavits of means and own properties within Abuja. The court further stipulated that the title documents of these properties must be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the financial guarantees, Bello is required to surrender his international passport to the court and both he and his sureties must provide two recent passport photographs. Until these conditions are met, Bello will remain at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja.
Court Proceedings
During the session, Bello entered a not guilty plea to the 19-count charges of money laundering, amounting to ₦80 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello Remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre Over N110bn Money Laundering Charge
The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, mentioned his intent to withdraw a prior application for expediting the arraignment date, noting that it had become redundant. Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing Bello, did not oppose this motion, and thus, Justice Nwite granted the withdrawal, striking out the application.
This development marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings against the former governor, who has been under scrutiny for financial misconduct during his tenure.
