The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.
Justice Maryanne Anenih, who presided over the case, had previously rejected the bail application on December 10, citing it as premature since it was filed before the defendant was in custody or formally arraigned. However, the court allowed the defense team to submit a fresh application.
Bello, alongside two others, is facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to N110 billion brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former governor pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the proceedings, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), informed the court of the withdrawal of a further affidavit previously filed in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal, leading the court to strike out the document.
Daudu also revealed that both legal teams had reached an understanding to expedite the trial process. He urged the court to grant the bail application and requested a review of the bail conditions for all three defendants.
Justice Anenih, considering the submissions and the need for a fair trial, granted bail under the specified conditions, paving the way for Bello’s release pending trial.
