Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has regained his freedom after meeting the stringent bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello, who was detained at the Kuje Custodial Centre, was released on Friday evening, with officials confirming that all protocols were duly observed during the process.
The court had earlier granted the former governor bail on Thursday in the sum of N500 million. Justice MaryAnne Anenih stipulated that Bello must provide three sureties owning properties in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. As part of the conditions, Bello also had to surrender his international passport to prevent travel outside Nigeria without prior court approval.
The former governor is facing a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was arraigned alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, who have also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, confirmed Bello’s release, noting that the Controller of the NCoS FCT Command, Ajibogun Olatubosun, supervised the process to ensure it was conducted seamlessly.
