By John Joseph
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Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja. This development comes after Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted Bello bail of N500 million on Thursday.
To secure his release, Bello was required to provide three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. Additionally, he was ordered to surrender his passport and restricted from traveling outside Nigeria without prior permission.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Bello along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu on a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bello’s release was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). Duza stated that Bello was released after meeting the bail conditions, with the Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, ensuring his smooth release and adherence to protocols.
It’s worth noting that Justice Anenih had previously rejected Bello’s initial bail application on procedural grounds but granted bail to his co-defendants. The trial is set to commence on January 29, 2025.
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