₦80.2bn Scandal: Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello secures ₦500m Bail amid High-Stakes trial

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 with two sureties. Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, announced this  decision during a court session on Friday, emphasizing that granting bail is at the court’s discretion.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite stated:
“I have reviewed the submissions from both counsels. While bail is a discretionary matter, the conduct of the defendant initially warranted reconsideration. However, based on the professional detour exhibited by the senior counsels, J.B. Daudu (SAN) for the defense and Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) for the prosecution, I am inclined to grant the application.”

The court outlined the bail terms as follows:

A bail sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed property within Abuja and provide verified documents to the court’s Chief Deputy Registrar. Both the defendant and the sureties must submit recent passport photographs and affidavits of means.
Bello is required to deposit his international passport with the Chief Registrar. The Judge ordered that Bello be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility until the bail conditions are met. The trial is scheduled to resume on February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025.

On the charges  Against Bello, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 19-count charge against Bello, accusing him of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion.

At the resumed hearing, Bello pleaded not guilty to all charges. EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court of the withdrawal of a previous application to hasten the arraignment date, noting that, the request was no longer necessary. The court subsequently struck out the application.

On the defense Arguments and apologies, Bello’s lead Counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), apologised for earlier procedural delays, explaining that his client’s actions were not intended to disrespect the court. He assured the court that Bello would attend all trial dates, citing the former governor’s record of minimal international travel as evidence that he posed no flight risk.

While the prosecution had initially opposed the bail application, Pinheiro later withdrew the objection, citing respect for the defense counsel and the assurances provided.

In another case, Bello is also facing separate charges involving the alleged misappropriation of ₦110.4 billion before Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. Justice Anenih had earlier ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje prison, pending a proper filing of his bail application.

Justice Nwite reiterated the remand order until the conditions of Bello’s latest bail are fully met.