The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail on Thursday, setting conditions at N500 million with two sureties for matching amounts.
Justice Maryanne Anenih delivered the ruling in the case where Bello faces 16-count charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N110 billion fraud from state coffers.
The former governor had pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The latest ruling comes after an earlier bail application was rejected on December 10 when Justice Anenih deemed it premature as Bello was neither in custody nor before the court at that time.
During Thursday’s proceedings, defense counsel Joseph Daudu SAN withdrew a further affidavit filed in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, noting they wanted to avoid making the matter contentious. Prosecution counsel Olukayode Enitan SAN raised no objections.
“I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar that is leading the Defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team,” Enitan stated, indicating both sides had reached an understanding to ensure speedy trial.
The court stipulated that Bello’s sureties must be notable Nigerians owning landed property in select Abuja districts including Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki and Asokoro.
The former governor must also surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court.
Justice Anenih ordered that Bello remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are satisfied.
The trial is scheduled to commence on January 29, 2025.
This case runs parallel to separate N80 billion money laundering charges Bello faces at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he has also been granted bail with a trial date pending.
