The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, who faces serious charges of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion. The court’s decision was delivered on Friday by Justice Emeka Nwite, who granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties each required to provide a similar amount.
Justice Nwite noted that the decision to grant bail was made at the court’s discretion, emphasizing the importance of due consideration in such matters. “I have listened to the application from both counsels. First off, bail is at the discretion of the court, whether the bail is opposed or supported,” the judge remarked during the ruling.
He continued, explaining that although the defendant’s conduct had raised some concerns, the court was influenced by the proceedings and the actions of both legal teams. “Ordinarily, based on the antecedents of this case, particularly the conduct exhibited by the defendant, I would have reconsidered the application. However, based on the detour exhibited by the learned senior counsel for the defendant, J.B. Daudu (SAN), which was reciprocated by the learned senior counsel for the prosecution, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), I am inclined to depart from our earlier position,” Justice Nwite explained.
In granting bail, the judge set out specific conditions. “Bail is granted to the defendant in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in the like sum,” he stated. “The two sureties shall own landed property within the jurisdiction of this court, Abuja. The two sureties shall swear to an affidavit of means, and the documents of the property shall be verified by the chief deputy registrar of this honourable court.”
Additionally, Bello was ordered to deposit his international passport with the court’s chief registrar, and both he and the sureties were required to submit two recent passport photographs. The defendant’s release will depend on the perfection of these bail conditions. Justice Nwite also set dates for the trial, with the case adjourned to February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025.
The charges against Bello, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), include allegations of money laundering and the embezzlement of state funds. The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution intended to withdraw a previous application to abridge the arraignment date. This request was not opposed by the defendant’s legal team, leading to the court’s decision to strike out the application.
During the proceedings, the 19 charges were formally read to Bello, who pleaded not guilty to all of them. Following this, the defense counsel, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), made an appeal for bail pending the trial, assuring the court that his client would comply with all court orders.
“My Lord, I apologise for any impression that may have been created that the defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship for his arraignment,” Daudu said. “What he did, which is not uncommon in law, was to direct his counsel to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, which took them to the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and back here.”
Daudu continued, stressing that the former governor, a two-term leader of Kogi State, had traveled abroad only twice during his tenure, making it unlikely that he would flee the country. “Having regard to the positions I have held in this profession, the governor will appear on all trial days. I give my word that he will not jump bail,” he assured the court.
In response, Kemi Pinheiro, representing the EFCC, expressed no objection to the bail request, despite the earlier opposition to it. “I have great respect for my learned counsel, who was a past president of the NBA. We accept the assurances of the eminent counsel that the defendant will be available for trial, subject to your lordship’s terms,” Pinheiro stated.
Bello’s legal troubles extend beyond this case, as he faces additional charges of misappropriating ₦110.4 billion in a separate case before Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The judge had previously ordered his remand in Kuje Correctional Facility after rejecting his bail application due to procedural issues.
As the legal proceedings continue, Bello remains in Kuje prison while the bail conditions are finalized. Justice Nwite’s decision to grant bail marks a significant moment in the ongoing trial, but the road ahead remains fraught with legal challenges for the former governor.
The next steps in the case will involve a series of hearings scheduled for early next year, where the prosecution and defense will continue to present their arguments.
