Alleged N110bn Fraud: Kogi ex-governor, Yahaya Bello, released on bail

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

This was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza when speaking with newsmen on Friday.

Duza said, “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday).”

“The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.”

Bello was granted bail on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih in the sum of N500m.

The conditions included providing three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.

The court also ordered Bello to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior permission.

The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N110bn, along with two others.

Bello along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

All three have pleaded not guilty.

The second and the third defendants were earlier admitted to bail in the sum of N300m each with two sureties in like sum with property at Maitama.

Justice Anenih had rejected Bello’s initial bail application on procedural grounds but granted bail to his co-defendants.

Bello’s fresh application was approved on Thursday, leading to his release.