Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been granted another N500 million bail in connection with a N110 billion fraud case. This latest development comes on the heels of another case involving alleged money laundering of N80 billion, for which Bello was granted bail by a federal high court in Abuja just last week ¹.
According to reports, Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama approved the bail application on Thursday, with stringent conditions. Bello must provide three sureties, each with landed properties in prime areas of the FCT, including Guzape, Wuse 2, Apo, Asokoro, and Jabi. The sureties must also submit two passport photographs each and provide valid means of identification, including their National Identification Number (NIN) ¹.
Bello faces charges of violating sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, punishable under section 312 of the same law. His bail application was met with a mix of reactions, with some questioning the leniency of the court's decision ².
The latest bail grant is not without controversy, with many calling for accountability and transparency in the judicial process. Critics argue that the bail conditions are too lenient, given the magnitude of the alleged fraud ².
Background of the Case
Bello is accused of misusing state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million) ¹. Other properties allegedly acquired with funds stolen from the Kogi state treasury include Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams), Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), and more ¹.
Reaction and Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about the role of the military in civilian affairs and the potential for abuse of power. Many are calling for accountability and an investigation into the matter. The EFCC has been prosecuting Bello alongside two other defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4 billion ¹.
Next Steps
The trial is set to continue, with the court adjourning the hearing on the substantive suit until January 29, 2025. Bello remains in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Kuje, until he meets the bail conditions. The case has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the judicial process ¹.
