BREAKING: FCT High Court Admits Ex-Gov Bello to N500m Bail

By: Bayero Ade

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million. Justice Maryann Anenih delivered the ruling on Thursday, requiring Bello to present three sureties in like sum.

This follows an earlier decision on December 10 when the court rejected Bello’s initial bail application on the grounds that it was filed prematurely before his arraignment or detention. The former governor’s legal team subsequently filed a fresh application.

Bello, who is facing 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving N110 billion, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the hearing, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, requested to withdraw a further affidavit previously filed in response to the prosecution’s objection, stating the move was to avoid making the matter contentious. The prosecution, led by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, raised no objection, and the court struck out the affidavit.

The defense and prosecution counsels acknowledged efforts to ensure a speedy trial, with the prosecution leaving the decision on bail to the court’s discretion.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih noted that the charges were bailable and granted Bello bail under strict conditions. He is to provide three notable sureties with properties in specific areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro. Bello is also required to surrender his international passport and travel documents and will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail terms are met.

The court also reviewed the bail conditions for Bello’s co-defendants, Umaru Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, granting them bail at N300 million each with two sureties owning properties in specified areas of the FCT. They are also required to surrender their travel documents and remain in custody until their conditions are fulfilled.

The ruling reflects the court’s effort to balance justice and fairness as the case proceeds.