Yahaya Bello Granted N500M Bail, Trial Begins in February

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello N500 million bail with the condition of providing two sureties in the same amount. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the decision, specifying that the sureties must own landed properties within Abuja.

They are required to present the property title documents for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar and must also swear to an affidavit of means.

The court mandated that both the former governor and the sureties provide their recent passport photographs. Furthermore, Yahaya Bello is to surrender his international passport and may not leave the country without court approval. He is to remain in Kuje prison until the bail conditions are met.

The hearing of the case, where Bello faces a 19-count charge of money laundering involving N80.2 billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is scheduled to begin on February 24 and 28. Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, has denied the charges, which include accusations of using proxies to buy high-value properties in Abuja and Dubai.