The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in an alleged ₦80 billion fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, set the bail at ₦500 million and required two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must own properties in Abuja, provide title documents for verification by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, and swear to an affidavit of means.
Bello is also mandated to submit his international passport and two recent passport photographs to the court.
Justice Nwite also ruled that Bello be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre until his bail conditions are met.
Bello pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charge of alleged money laundering.
During the hearing, EFCC Counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, withdrew a prior application for an earlier arraignment date, which was granted by the court.
The case has been adjourned to February 24, 2025, for the next hearing.