The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million over allegations of N80.2 billion fraud.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered Bello to produce two sureties who must each own landed properties in Abuja.
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello in EFCC custody
The judge further directed that the title documents of the properties must be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, while the sureties are also required to swear to an affidavit of means.
In addition, Justice Nwite mandated Bello and the sureties to submit their recent passport photographs. He also ordered the former governor to surrender his international passport and barred him from traveling outside the country without court approval.
The judge held that Bello would remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until he meets the bail conditions.
The court fixed February 24 and 28, 2025, for the commencement of the trial on the 19-count money laundering charge brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, pleaded not guilty to allegations of using proxies to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai with funds allegedly laundered.
The EFCC accuses Bello of conspiring with five individuals to divert public funds for personal acquisitions, a charge the former governor has vehemently denied.
