Abuja, Nigeria– The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of ₦500 million, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of ₦80 billion fraud.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, outlined strict bail conditions, mandating Bello to produce two sureties in like sum. The court’s ruling, pinpoints the sureties must be owners of properties located in Abuja and are required to swear to an affidavit of means. The title documents of these properties will undergo verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
To the surety requirements, Justice Nwite ordered the former governor to deposit his international passport with the court. Both Bello and his sureties are also required to submit two recent passport photographs to the court registry. Until the bail conditions are fully met, the judge ruled that Bello be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja.
Yahaya Bello, who served as Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charge of money laundering brought against him by the EFCC.
The EFCC, represented by lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), presented its case before the court, detailing the allegations against Bello, which include the diversion of state funds for personal use during his tenure. Pinheiro, at the hearing, withdrew an earlier application seeking an abridgment of the date fixed for the arraignment, stating that the motion had been overtaken by events. Justice Nwite subsequently struck out the application without objection from Bello’s legal team.
Bello’s lead counsel, **Joseph Daudu (SAN)**, maintained that the former governor remains innocent until proven guilty and emphasized his readiness to comply with the court’s directives.
The EFCC has accused Bello of orchestrating a complex money-laundering scheme involving state funds. The high-profile case has attracted significant public attention, given the scale of the allegations and Bello’s political prominence.
Justice Nwite’s decision to impose stringent bail conditions reflects the court’s cautious approach to ensuring Bello remains accessible for trial. Meanwhile, the EFCC has signaled its determination to press forward with the case, marking a critical test in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The case has been adjourned to a later date, pending the fulfillment of bail conditions and preparations for full trial.
