Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Granted Bail on N500m Terms, Appeals for Alternative Surety Conditions

 

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has secured bail after appealing to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, for a review of the conditions tied to the possession of landed property in Maitama as part of his bail terms.

Bello, through his counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), made the appeal to Justice Maryann Anenih on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He argued that acquiring Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents in Maitama is difficult, as many properties in the area are corporate establishments.

"We plead with this honourable court to consider other premium areas like Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and others as alternatives for bail conditions," Daudu stated. He further highlighted the necessity of unrestricted access to his client to ensure proper trial preparation, emphasizing that the charges against Bello are bailable.

The prosecution, led by Olukayode Eniton (SAN), did not oppose the bail application, noting the assurances from Bello’s counsel that the defendant would stand trial.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih granted Bello bail under the following conditions:

• A sum of N500 million and three sureties of equal value.
• Sureties must be prominent Nigerians with landed properties in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.
• Bello must deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court registrar.
• He is to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kuje until the bail terms are met.

The two co-defendants in the case, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, also had their bail terms adjusted. Justice Anenih reduced their bail sum from N300 million to N200 million, allowing the use of properties within the court's jurisdiction that match the bail value.

Bello, Oricha, and Hudu are facing a 16-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N110.4 billion.

The court has adjourned further hearings on the substantive suit to January 29, 2024.