- The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted N500m bail to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is facing trial for alleged N10.4bn fraud.
- Bello is barred from foreign trips except with the permission of the court.
- He must deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted a N500 million bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, who is being tried for alleged N10.4 billion fraud. The judge, Justice MaryAnne Anenih, ordered Bello to deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court, effectively barring him from foreign trips except with the permission of the court.
Bello, alongside two others, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 27 but pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The bail conditions include three sureties in like sum, who must be responsible citizens and landowners in specific areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, Apo, Wuse 2, Garki, Utako, or Asokoro. Bello must also deposit two copies of his recent passport photograph alongside a photocopy of a means of identification, which could be either his passport or national ID card.
The case has been adjourned until January 29 and 30 for trial.
