Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, was granted bail by the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
This decision comes after Justice Maryann Anenih initially refused Bello’s bail application on December 10, citing that it was filed prematurely.
Cyber Reporters reports that Bello is facing a money laundering trial involving N110 billion, along with two others, and has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
During Thursday’s hearing, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, informed the court that the defense team had filed a further affidavit in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit.
However, Daudu applied to withdraw the further affidavit, stating that they did not want to make the matter contentious.
The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, did not object, and the court granted the application for withdrawal.
Daudu also informed the court that discussions had taken place with the prosecution team, resulting in an agreement to ensure a speedy trial.
In light of this understanding, Daudu urged the court to grant the bail application.
Justice Anenih acknowledged that the offense Bello was charged with was a bailable one and granted him bail with three sureties in like sum.
The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in designated areas. Bello was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court and will remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.
