₦80.2 Billion: Court Grants Yahaya Bello ₦500 Million Bail

On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for ₦500 million, with two sureties. The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, stated that bail is a matter of the court’s discretion, whether opposed or supported while delivering his ruling.

Justice Nwite noted, “I have considered the application from both counsels. Bail is at the court’s discretion. Based on the circumstances of this case and the defendant’s conduct, I would have reconsidered the bail application. However, due to the cooperation shown by both the defense counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), and the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), I am inclined to grant bail.”

The judge outlined the bail conditions: “Bail is granted in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties each in the same amount. The sureties must own property within the court’s jurisdiction in Abuja. They will swear to an affidavit of means, and the property documents will be verified by the court’s chief deputy registrar. The defendant must deposit his international passport with the court’s chief registrar and submit two recent passport photographs to the deputy chief registrar. The defendant will be released once these conditions are met. The case is adjourned to February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025, for trial.”

Bello is facing 19 charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of public funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion.

During the hearing, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, informed the court that the prosecution would withdraw a previous request to abridge the arraignment date, as the issue had been overtaken by events. Defense counsel, J.B. Daudu, did not object, and Justice Nwite agreed to strike out the application.

Following this, the 19 charges were read to Bello, and he pleaded not guilty. Afterward, his lawyer apologized for the earlier confusion and requested bail pending trial. He assured the court that Bello, who had served two terms as governor and had traveled abroad only twice during his tenure, posed no flight risk and would attend all court hearings.

Daudu stated, “I apologize if there was any impression that the defendant did not wish to appear for his arraignment. He merely challenged the court’s jurisdiction, which led to proceedings in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. It was not an act of disrespect. He holds this court in the highest regard and will attend every trial date. I assure you that he will not jump bail.”

Pinheiro, for the prosecution, confirmed that they would not object to the bail request despite previously filing a counter. He expressed respect for the defense counsel and confirmed that the prosecution, as a prosecutorial body, is not seeking to persecute the defendant. He accepted the defense’s assurances regarding Bello’s attendance at trial.

Additionally, Bello faces a separate ₦110.4 billion charge before Justice MaryAnne Anenih at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. Justice Anenih had previously ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje prison pending the determination of his bail application, which was rejected for procedural irregularities. Similarly, Justice Nwite has ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje prison until the bail conditions are fulfilled.