Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Secures N500M Bail, Banned from Foreign Travel

By Achimi muktar

In a high-stakes courtroom drama, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday granted a staggering N500 million bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State. Bello, who is embroiled in allegations of N10.4 billion fraud, now faces strict bail conditions, including a prohibition on international travel without the court's consent.

Justice MaryAnne Anenih, presiding over the case, ordered Bello to surrender his passport and remain within Nigeria unless explicitly allowed to leave. The former governor was arraigned alongside co-defendants Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu on November 27 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16 counts of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. All three pleaded not guilty.

The bail decision came after Bello's initial application was rejected on December 10, with Justice Anenih describing it as “premature and unprocedural,” having been filed before his arrest or court appearance.

However, a fresh bail application presented by Bello’s legal team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), succeeded on Thursday. Justice Anenih set stringent conditions for the bail:

Three sureties, each responsible citizens and landowners in high-profile Abuja areas, including Maitama, Guzape, Apo, Wuse 2, Garki, Utako, or Asokoro.

The sureties must deposit property documents and two recent passport photographs with the court registrar.

Bello must also deposit his passport, national ID, and recent passport photographs.

The judge ruled that Bello would remain in the Kuje correctional facility until all bail conditions are met.

Earlier, during the hearing, Daudu assured the court of the defense's commitment to a speedy trial, a sentiment echoed by the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan (SAN), who stated that the prosecution would not oppose the bail but leave it to the court's discretion.

In a show of judicial pragmatism, Justice Anenih granted the bail, noting the importance of balancing legal traditions with the course of justice. She adjourned the trial to January 29 and 30, 2024.

This dramatic development adds another twist to Bello’s legal woes, as the ex-governor faces a rigorous trial process. The high-profile nature of the case and the gravity of the allegations ensure it will remain in the public eye, raising questions about accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.