The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, in the sum of ₦500 million.
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Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, made the ruling on Friday, noting that bail is a matter of judicial discretion.
The embattled former governor is facing a 19-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion.
Bello, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, had his bail conditions include two sureties with landed properties within Abuja, affidavits of means, and the deposit of his international passport.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite acknowledged the earlier contentious legal maneuvers that delayed Bello’s arraignment but emphasized that the assurances from both counsels swayed his decision.
He stated, "I am inclined to depart from our earlier position on this matter and grant bail to the defendant."
The EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), affirmed the prosecution’s decision not to oppose the bail application. “We are prosecutors, not persecutors,” he remarked, adding confidence in Bello’s promise to attend all trial sessions.
The defense counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), apologized for the prior delays and assured the court of Bello’s compliance, highlighting his record as a two-term governor who traveled abroad only twice during his tenure.
Justice Nwite ordered Bello’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Facility until the bail conditions are met. Trial proceedings are scheduled to continue on February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025.
Notably, Bello also faces a separate ₦110.4 billion fraud charge before Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where a similar remand order was earlier issued.