Yahaya Bello Granted N500m Bail Over Alleged N80.2b Fraud
On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, bail in the amount of ₦500 million.
Bello had been charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with 19 counts of criminal breach of trust. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, accuse him of embezzling over ₦80.2 billion belonging to Kogi State. The funds were allegedly used to purchase properties both in Nigeria and overseas through intermediaries.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the bail with two sureties, each required to provide property worth the same amount. The sureties’ properties must be within the court’s jurisdiction, and a Deputy Registrar will verify them.
Bello was also ordered to hand over his international passport to the court and be kept in Kuje prison, Abuja, until he can fulfill the bail conditions.
