On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail in the amount of N500 million, with two sureties who must also provide the same amount.
This decision follows charges brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme. The former governor pleaded not guilty to all 19 charges.
During the hearing, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC, informed the court that the prosecution planned to withdraw an earlier request to speed up the case schedule, as the situation had changed. Bello’s defense lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, agreed, and Judge Emeka Nwite granted the request.
After pleading not guilty, Daudu, SAN, clarified that the former governor’s absence from previous court dates was due to a legal challenge over the court’s jurisdiction. “It was not out of disrespect, but an attempt to protect his rights,” Daudu explained, emphasizing that Bello had always respected the court.
When asking for bail, Daudu reassured the judge that Bello, who served as Kogi’s governor for two terms, would not miss any future court hearings. “He has only traveled twice during his eight years as governor, and he will be here for every trial session,” Daudu stated confidently.
Pinheiro, SAN, the prosecution lawyer, also spoke positively about the process, acknowledging the respectful and cooperative approach taken by both sides. “We are prosecutors, not persecutors,” he said, emphasizing the goal of easing the burden on the court.
After considering the arguments, Justice Nwite ruled in favor of granting bail. Bello will pay N500 million and provide two sureties who own land within the court’s jurisdiction. The sureties must submit affidavits of means, and their property deeds will be verified by the court registrar.
Bello must also surrender his international passport and remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre until his bail conditions are met. The case is set for further hearing on February 24, 2025.
This ruling comes after Bello had previously been remanded in custody over a fresh charge of N110 billion by the EFCC, awaiting the bail decision.
