The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in the sum of ₦500 million.
Bello was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust, involving the alleged diversion of ₦80.2 billion from Kogi State funds. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, claim that the funds were used to acquire properties in Nigeria and abroad through proxies.
In a ruling on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite admitted Bello to bail, mandating two sureties in like sum. The sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and present ownership documents of properties located in Abuja, which will be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
Additionally, Bello is required to deposit his international passport and two recent passport photographs with the court. Until he meets the bail conditions, the former governor will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja.
