The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million with stringent conditions attached.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite directed that the bail be secured with two sureties who must each own landed properties in Abuja.
The court mandated that the title documents of these properties be submitted and verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar.
Additionally, the sureties are required to swear to an affidavit of means and submit their recent passport photographs.
Justice Nwite further ordered Bello to surrender his international passport and prohibited him from leaving the country without prior court approval.
The former governor is to remain in custody at Kuje prison until all bail conditions are met.
The court scheduled February 24 and 28, 2025, for the commencement of trial on the 19-count money laundering charge brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges revolve around alleged mismanagement and laundering of N80.2 billion during his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024.
The EFCC accused Bello of using five proxies to acquire luxury properties in highbrow areas of Abuja and Dubai, allegations he has vehemently denied, maintaining his innocence during his plea.
The case continues to generate significant attention nationwide, given the magnitude of the alleged fraud and the high-profile status of the defendant.
Details on the bail proceedings and forthcoming trial will be provided as they unfold.