Court Bombshell: Yahaya Bello Secures ₦500 Million Bail After Money Laundering Charges

Court Bombshell: Yahaya Bello Secures ₦500 Million Bail After Money Laundering Charges

In a dramatic legal twist, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million by a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory. The court also demanded that he present two sureties with equivalent value as part of the bail…Court Bombshell: Yahaya Bello Secures ₦500 Million Bail After Money Laundering Charges

conditions.

The bail decision, handed down by Justice Maryann Anenih, comes after the initial rejection of Bello’s request on December 10. The court had earlier ruled that his application was prematurely submitted, noting that he was not in custody or present at the time. However, after re-submission of a new application, the court proceeded with the bail hearing.

Bello, who is facing serious charges of money laundering involving a staggering ₦110 billion alongside two co-defendants, has denied all allegations. He pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the Thursday hearing, Bello’s defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court of a revised affidavit, which he later withdrew to avoid further complications. Both the defense and prosecution teams agreed on a cooperative approach to expedite the legal proceedings.

The prosecution, led by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, did not object to the bail application and assured the court of their commitment to a swift trial. The EFCC also expressed their willingness to avoid any contentious exchanges in court, recognizing the judge’s discretion in the matter.

Justice Anenih ultimately ruled in favor of the bail application, citing the nature of the charges, and granted Bello bail. However, she imposed stringent conditions: the former governor must provide three sureties with properties in high-end areas like Maitama, Jabi, and Asokoro. Furthermore, he is required to surrender his international passport and all other travel documents to the court.

Bello will remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are fully met.

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