A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like amount, following his involvement in an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, follows an earlier denial of Bello’s bail application by Justice Maryann Anenih on December 10, which she deemed premature because the application was filed when the defendant was neither in custody nor before the court.
The judge had ruled that the application was not competent, but allowed room for Bello’s legal team to file a new bail request.
Bello faces 16 counts of money laundering, alongside two other individuals, and has pleaded not guilty.
At the resumed hearing, his counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that a fresh affidavit had been filed in response to the prosecution’s counter affidavit.
Daudu subsequently requested to withdraw the affidavit, which was granted by the court, as there was no objection from the prosecution.
Daudu also informed the court that discussions had been held with the prosecution team to ensure a swift trial.
Based on this cooperation, he requested the court to approve the bail application and to consider expanding the locations for bail sureties to include areas across the FCT, not just Maitama.
The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, acknowledged the discussions and confirmed their willingness to cooperate to expedite the trial.
Enitan, however, stated that the decision to grant or deny bail remained at the court’s discretion.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih granted Bello bail, emphasizing that the charges against him were bailable.
The court ordered the ex-governor to provide three sureties, each with landed property in key areas of the FCT, including Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
Additionally, Bello was instructed to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court.
He is to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are fully met.
The case’s adjournment is set for January 29, with the second and third defendants, who had previously been granted bail under similar conditions, also requesting variations to their bail terms.
These requests were granted by the court, allowing for more flexible property locations.
