Court Grants Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello ₦500m Bail in ₦80bn Fraud Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello ₦500m bail.

Justice Emeka Nwite ordered Bello to produce two sureties, who must swear to an affidavit of means and own properties in Abuja. The court said the properties’ title documents will be verified by its Deputy Chief Registrar.

“I hereby grant bail to the defendant in the sum of N500 million and two sureties in like sum who must possess landed property in Abuja,” the judge ruled on Friday.

Bello had earlier pleaded not guilty to the EFCC’s ₦80bn fraud allegations.

The former governor and others are accused of conspiring in February 2016 to convert N80,246,470,088.88, allegedly obtained through a criminal breach of trust, in violation of Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.

He faces a 19-count charge.

The counsel to the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, withdrew an earlier application for abridgement of the earlier date fixed for arraignment, which Justice Nwite granted.

Bello’s lawyer, Daudu, in court, clarified that his client did not intentionally avoid appearing in court. Instead, he explained that Bello had instructed his legal team to challenge the trial court’s jurisdiction through higher courts.

“My client did not disrespect the court. Things are clearer now,” Daudu said.

While applying for bail, Daudu highlighted that the defendant, a two-term governor, had only travelled abroad twice throughout his tenure. He assured the court that Bello would attend all trial proceedings and would not abscond.

Ruling, the judge emphasized that bail is a constitutional right.

Additionally, the judge ordered Bello to surrender his international passport and directed that he be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

The case has been adjourned to February 24, 28, 2025, and March 6 and 7 for trial.