BREAKING: Court grants N500m bail to ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, in the sum of N500 million.

Presiding over the case on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered Bello to provide two sureties who must also meet the bail conditions.

These sureties are required to swear an affidavit of means and own verifiable properties located in Abuja. Additionally, the title documents for the properties will be examined by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

Bello, who is facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to N80 billion, pleaded not guilty to the accusations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the hearing, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of a decision to withdraw an earlier application seeking to move forward the arraignment date.

The defense, represented by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not oppose the motion, prompting Justice Nwite to grant the request and strike out the application.

The case continues as the court sets further conditions for ensuring the trial progresses efficiently.