The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, December 13, 2024, granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, a bail of N500 million. Bello is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering related to the alleged embezzlement of ₦80,246,470,089.88 billion during his eight-year tenure.
The funds, reportedly diverted by Bello to acquire properties both in Nigeria and abroad, are said to be proceeds of unlawful activities, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. His actions allegedly span the period from 2016 to 2023, involving fraudulent transactions through various companies.
Bello, who had previously defied multiple court summons, was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April. However, he eventually surrendered to face trial in November.
At the trial’s start on Friday, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) led the prosecution team, while Bello’s defense was represented by a group of senior lawyers, including J.B. Daudu (SAN). During the proceedings, Daudu apologized for the defendant’s prior absence, explaining that it was due to a challenge to the court’s jurisdiction and not out of disrespect.
In his request for bail, Daudu emphasized Bello’s high status as a two-term governor and assured the court that he would attend all trial dates. The prosecution, represented by Pinheiro, expressed agreement with the defense, and both parties jointly requested the court to grant bail on reasonable terms.
Justice Nwite, in his ruling, acknowledged the professionalism and cooperation between the legal teams, leading him to grant the N500 million bail with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own property within the court’s jurisdiction, and Bello is required to submit his international passport to the Deputy Chief Registrar. Additional conditions include the submission of recent passport photographs and an affidavit of means.
Until the bail conditions are met, Bello will remain in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kuje. His trial has been adjourned to February 24 and 28, as well as March 6 and 7, 2025.
