Breaking: Yahaya Bello granted ₦500 million bail over alleged ₦80 billion fraud

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in the sum of ₦500 million.

This follows his plea of not guilty to an alleged ₦80 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court, presided over by Justice Nicholas Oweibo, issued the bail conditions on Friday, requiring Bello to provide two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own property within Abuja, and documents verifying the property ownership will be scrutinized by the court registrar. Additionally, both sureties are mandated to submit passport-sized photographs and swear affidavits of means.

Bello is also required to deposit his travel documents with the court to ensure his availability throughout the trial. Justice Oweibo emphasized that the former governor must attend all court sessions until the conclusion of the proceedings.

This development comes amid heightened public interest, as the EFCC has accused Bello of misappropriating state funds during his tenure as governor. However, Bello has maintained his innocence and pledged to cooperate fully with the judicial process.

The bail ruling provides temporary relief for the embattled ex-governor, while the EFCC prepares to present its case in subsequent hearings.

Details later…