Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been granted a fresh bail of N500 million by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, December 19, by Justice Maryann Anenih, comes after Bello’s detention, which began on December 10.
The court mandated Bello to provide three sureties, each owning landed properties in Abuja’s high-brow areas, to meet the bail requirements.
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants, marked CR/7781, include:
- Conspiracy
- Criminal breach of trust
- Possession of unlawfully obtained property
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Bello misused state funds to acquire multiple properties, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja: N950 million
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja: N100 million
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja: N920 million
- Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja: N170 million
- Hotel Apartment, Burj Khalifa, Dubai: AED 5,698,888
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja: N60 million
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja: N310.4 million
Additionally, Bello is accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the USA and unlawfully obtaining N677.8 million through Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The court emphasized strict adherence to the bail conditions and adjourned the case for further proceedings. The EFCC continues its investigations into the allegations, which highlight significant financial impropriety during Bello’s tenure as governor.
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