Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties providing the same amount.
Earlier, on December 10, Justice Anenih had denied the ex-governor’s bail request, citing that the application was filed prematurely. At that time, the judge ruled that the application was incompetent because it was submitted before the 1st defendant was in custody or formally brought before the court. However, the governor’s legal team was given the option to file a fresh application and request a hearing date.
Yahaya Bello is currently standing trial for alleged money laundering amounting to N110 billion, alongside two co-defendants. He has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the court proceedings, Joseph Daudu, SAN, counsel for the former governor, informed the court that the defense had submitted a further affidavit in response to the counter affidavit from the prosecution. However, Daudu applied to withdraw the further affidavit, stating, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.” The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, raised no objection, and the court granted the withdrawal, striking out the further affidavit.
Daudu also highlighted that discussions with the prosecution team had led to an agreement to ensure a speedy trial. He urged the court to grant bail and proposed that the conditions for all defendants be reconsidered. Specifically, he requested that the properties used as bail sureties include locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), instead of limiting them to Maitama.
Enitan acknowledged the discussions between the defense and prosecution teams and assured the court of their commitment to expediting the trial. He noted, “As is customary in the legal profession, we cooperate when it does not compromise the course of justice. While the defense has made efforts to argue for bail, and the prosecution could contest it, we leave the decision to your lordship’s discretion.”
In her ruling, Justice Anenih granted bail, noting that the charges against the 1st defendant are bailable offenses. The conditions include a N500 million bond, with three sureties who must be notable individuals owning landed properties in areas such as Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro. Bello is also required to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court. Until the bail conditions are fulfilled, he will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
