Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail in the sum of N500 million. In his ruling, Justice Nwite noted the commendable conduct of Bello’s lawyer, Chief Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the understanding shown by prosecution lawyer Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. He stated, “I am inclined to change my earlier position based on the information provided by both counsels.”
Bail conditions require Bello to secure two sureties of the same amount who own properties in Abuja, verify their documents with the court registrar, and submit recent passport photographs. Additionally, Bello must deposit his international passport with the court.
Although he will be remanded in Kuje Correctional Center, he will be released upon meeting the bail conditions. Bello has pleaded not guilty to an N80 billion fraud charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stemming from his time as governor from 2015 to 2023. During the trial, Pinheiro announced the prosecution’s intention to withdraw a previous request to change the arraignment date, which Daudu did not oppose. Daudu clarified the previous absence of Bello in court, asserting it was due to legal challenges regarding the court’s jurisdiction.
He guaranteed that the former governor would be present at all future trials and requested reasonable bail conditions. Pinheiro confirmed their intent to facilitate the court’s proceedings and indicated they would not oppose the bail given Daudu’s assurances. Bello was earlier remanded concerning a separate N110 billion charge by the EFCC as he awaited this bail application.
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