Court grants former governor of Kogi state Yahaya Bello N500 million bail

Abuja Federal High Court grants Yahaya Bello bail.

Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, was granted bail by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the sum of ₦500 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Bello on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.

Justice Nwite ordered that Bello produce two sureties in like sum. The sureties must swear to an affidavit and must own properties in Abuja. The Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court will verify the title documents of these properties.

Additionally, the former governor must deposit his international passport with the court, and he and the sureties must submit two recent passport photographs each.

ALSO READ: We will empower citizens to be agent of prosperity – Tinubu

Justice Nwite also ruled that Bello be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja until his bail conditions are met.

Bello pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the EFCC.

EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) at the resumed hearing informed the court of his decision to withdraw an earlier application to bring forward the arraignment date. He explained that the application had been overtaken by events.

Counsel to the defendant, Joseph Daudu (SAN), did not object, and Justice Nwite struck out the application as requested.