The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has granted bail to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, setting bail conditions at ₦500 million and requiring three sureties of equivalent value.
This decision follows an earlier ruling by Justice Maryann Anenih on December 10, where Bello's initial bail application was denied as premature. The judge had noted that the application was invalid since the defendant was neither in custody nor present in court at the time.
Bello, who is facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to ₦110 billion alongside two co-defendants, has pleaded not guilty.
At Thursday’s hearing, Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing the former governor, informed the court of a further affidavit submitted in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. However, Daudu later requested to withdraw the affidavit, emphasizing a desire to avoid contentious proceedings. The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, raised no objections, and the court approved the withdrawal.
Daudu also informed the court of discussions between the defense and prosecution teams aimed at expediting the trial process. He urged the court to grant the bail application while also advocating for a broader range of properties that could serve as sureties, extending beyond Maitama to include other areas within the Federal Capital Territory, such as Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
In response, Enitan confirmed the defense’s account of cooperative discussions and emphasized the prosecution’s commitment to ensuring a swift trial in line with the Rules of Professional Conduct. He stated, “We have decided not to make this contentious, leaving the decision to your lordship’s discretion.”
Justice Anenih, in her ruling, acknowledged that the charges against Bello were bailable. She granted the application, stipulating that the sureties must be reputable Nigerians owning real estate in the designated areas. Furthermore, Bello was required to surrender his international passport and travel documents to the court.
Until the bail conditions are met, the former governor will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
