Ex-Kogi Governor Bello Released on Bail Over ₦110bn Fraud Case

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed the release on Friday.

Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions, and the Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was present to ensure a smooth process and adherence to all protocols, Duza said in a statement.

Justice MaryAnne Anenih had granted Bello bail on Thursday, setting conditions that included a bond of ₦500 million and the provision of three sureties, each owning property in high-value areas such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro in Abuja.

The court also mandated Bello to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior approval.

Bello and two others face 16-count fraud charges for allegedly diverting ₦110 billion from Kogi State’s coffers during his tenure as governor. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the charges against him.

The trial judge had initially denied Bello’s bail application on December 10, ruling it was filed prematurely.

However, with the new bail approval, Bello is now back home as he awaits the commencement of the trial, scheduled for January 29, 2025.

In a related development, Bello is also facing separate money laundering charges amounting to ₦80 billion at the Federal High Court in Abuja. That court has also granted him bail and fixed a date for the trial. Bello has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Recall in April, Bello evaded arrest by the anti-graft agency. It was reported that the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, helped Bello away from his place in Abuja to avoid arrest.

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