Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja in the sum of N500 million. The court also fixed February 24, 2025, for the commencement of his trial.
Bello, who pleaded not guilty to the charges of N80.2 billion fraud leveled against him, was admitted to bail by Justice James Omotosho. The former governor was arraigned alongside three others, including Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
As part of the bail conditions, Bello is required to provide two sureties, each of whom must have a landed property worth N500 million in Abuja. The sureties must also depose to an affidavit of means, swear to a bond, and provide their international passports.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that Bello, while serving as the governor of Kogi State, diverted N80.2 billion from the state’s treasury. The anti-graft agency claimed that the former governor used the funds to acquire properties and investments in Abuja and Lagos.
Bello’s arraignment and subsequent bail have sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many taking to social media to express their opinions on the matter. While some have hailed the EFCC for taking action against the former governor, others have questioned the timing and motives behind the arraignment.
The trial of Yahaya Bello is expected to commence on February 24, 2025, and it promises to be a highly publicized and closely watched case. The former governor’s alleged involvement in the N80.2 billion fraud has raised questions about corruption and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.
