Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted Bello bail on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in the sum of ₦500 million. The bail conditions required him to provide three sureties, each owning property in high-end areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. Additionally, Bello was ordered to surrender his international passport to restrict his travel outside Nigeria without prior permission.
Bello, along with his co-defendants, 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 (EFCC). All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The former governor’s release was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza. He stated, “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting bail conditions. He was released this [Friday] evening.” The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was present to ensure all protocols were observed during the release.
This development comes after Bello’s initial bail application was rejected on procedural grounds. The court had earlier noted that the application was premature, as it was filed before Bello’s arraignment. With the bail conditions now met, Bello is expected to remain within Nigeria and comply with all court directives as the legal proceedings continue.
