The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail in the amount of N500 million. Bello is facing trial for an alleged N10.4 billion fraud, alongside co-defendants Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, who are implicated in 16 counts of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
Justice MaryAnne Anenih had previously rejected Bello’s initial bail application on December 10, deeming it premature since it was filed before his arrest. However, on Thursday, Bello’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu (SAN), submitted a fresh bail application, which the judge heard and approved.
As part of the bail conditions, Bello is required to deposit his passport and cannot travel abroad without the court’s permission. The judge stipulated that he must provide three sureties, all responsible citizens and landowners in specific upscale areas of Abuja, including Maitama and Garki.
The court also ordered Bello to submit two recent passport photographs and a photocopy of a means of identification, such as his passport or national ID card. Until the bail conditions are fulfilled, he will remain in the Kuje correctional facility.
The trial is scheduled to resume on January 29 and 30.
