Alleged N110bn fraud: Court grants Yahaya Bello N500m
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties each to provide a similar sum.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Maryann Anenih, follows a previous rejection of Bello’s bail application on December 10, when the court had considered the initial request premature.
Bello, who faces a 16-count money laundering charge involving a total of N110 billion, has pleaded not guilty to the allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court’s decision on Thursday came after discussions between the defence and prosecution teams regarding the swift progression of the trial and the withdrawal of certain legal documents submitted by the defence.
Joseph Daudu, SAN, counsel for the former governor, informed the court that both parties had agreed to expedite the proceedings, resulting in the withdrawal of a further affidavit filed by the defence. “We do not want to make the matter contentious,” Daudu explained, underscoring the importance of cooperation to avoid delaying the trial.
In response, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, counsel for the EFCC, expressed the commission’s commitment to a fair and efficient trial.
“We have decided not to make this contentious,” he said, adding that the decision to grant or deny bail ultimately rests with the court’s discretion. He assured the court that the prosecution would cooperate fully in the matter.
Justice Anenih, in delivering the ruling, acknowledged that the charges against Bello were bailable and granted bail in the amount of N500 million, with three sureties to provide an equal sum.
The court specified that the sureties must be prominent Nigerians with landed property in designated areas of the Federal Capital Territory, including Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
Bello was also instructed to deposit his international passport and any other travel documents with the court. Until the bail conditions are fulfilled, the former governor is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
In a surprising turn, Bello reportedly pleaded with the court, indicating that some of his sureties in Maitama were hesitant to part with their property documents. However, his legal team expressed confidence that the bail conditions would be met once the necessary arrangements were made.
