Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, over a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering totaling ₦80 billion. The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Presiding Justice Emeka Nwite set the bail at ₦500 million, with strict conditions. Bello must present two sureties who are to swear affidavits of means and own verified properties in Abuja. The title documents of the properties must be validated by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar. Additionally, Bello is required to surrender his international passport, submit two recent passport photographs, and remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Center until these conditions are met.
Truth Live News gathered that Yahaya Bello pleaded not guilty to the allegations of diverting public funds during his tenure as governor. His defense counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal of an earlier application for a pretrial arraignment date by the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN). Justice Nwite subsequently struck out the application.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to address alleged financial impropriety involving public officials. The stringent bail conditions emphasize the court’s caution in dealing with high-profile financial crimes.
Observers and online Pundits are keenly watching how the case unfolds, particularly its implications for accountability among Nigeria’s political elites.