The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, setting the amount at ₦500 million. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, stipulated that Bello must provide two sureties in like sum to secure his release.

The court specified that the sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and own properties in Abuja, with the title documents of these properties to be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

Bello, who pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering and a purported ₦80 billion fraud leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was arraigned during the hearing.

The EFCC, represented by lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, initially sought to expedite the arraignment by filing an application for abridgment of time. However, Pinheiro informed the court that the application had been overtaken by events, prompting Justice Nwite to strike it out without objection from Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The EFCC’s charges against Bello allege significant financial misconduct during his tenure as governor. The bail terms, coupled with stringent conditions, are expected to ensure compliance with the judicial process as the trial proceeds.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to tackle corruption and financial crimes involving high-profile individuals. Bello’s legal team has expressed confidence in their ability to defend the former governor against the allegations.

The next steps in the case will likely focus on the EFCC presenting evidence to substantiate its claims.