By Ahmed Dan Asabe, Lokoje
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum. This decision comes after Justice Maryann Anenih initially refused the ex-governor's bail application on December 10, citing that it was filed prematurely.
Bello is facing a N110 billion money laundering trial alongside two others. He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. During the hearing, Counsel for the former governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, requested the court to grant the bail application and review the bail conditions for the defendants.
The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan SAN, acknowledged discussions between the defense and prosecution teams, resulting in an agreement to expedite the trial. Justice Anenih acknowledged that the offense was bailable and granted the ex-governor bail with the condition that the sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in specified locations.
The bail conditions require the 1st defendant to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court. He is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met. The court also granted varying bail conditions for the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Umaru Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, respectively.
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Judiciary