The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello ₦500 million bail in the ₦80 billion fraud case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered Bello to produce two sureties, who must swear to an affidavit of means and own properties in Abuja. The court also directed that the properties’ title documents be verified by its Deputy Chief Registrar.
Bello had earlier pleaded not guilty to the EFCC’s ₦80 billion fraud allegations. He faces a 19-count charge for allegedly conspiring to convert ₦80,246,470,088.88 obtained through a criminal breach of trust .
The judge emphasized that bail is a constitutional right and ordered Bello to surrender his international passport. He is to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met. The case has been adjourned to February 24, 28, 2025, and March 6 and 7 for trial.
