Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has regained his freedom after fulfilling the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
His release from the Kuje Custodial Centre on Friday was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command, Adamu Duza.
“Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday),” Duza stated.
Bello’s legal journey took a significant turn when Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted him bail on Thursday, subject to stringent conditions, including the payment of N500 million.
To ensure his compliance with the court’s directive, Bello was also required to present three sureties, each possessing property in high-profile Abuja locations such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.
The court also imposed a travel restriction, ordering him to surrender his passport and forbidding him from leaving the country without prior approval from the court.
The charges against Bello, along with his co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, stem from a series of alleged crimes brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The 16-count indictment includes conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property, to which all accused individuals have pleaded not guilty.
While the bail process encountered delays, with an initial rejection by Justice Anenih based on procedural grounds, a subsequent application led to Bello’s release. The court later approved a fresh application, resulting in his eventual release.
His co-defendants had earlier been granted bail, making Bello’s release a key development in this ongoing case. The court’s decision follows intense scrutiny of his legal circumstances and the thorough evaluation of his bail application.
The Nigerian Correctional Service’s FCT Command ensured that all legal protocols were observed during the release process. Ajibogun Olatubosun, the Controller of the NCoS in the FCT, was present to oversee the operation, ensuring that the correct procedures were followed.
Bello’s release from detention is a high-profile case, drawing attention to the ongoing investigation into alleged financial crimes linked to his tenure as governor.
As the case continues, all eyes will be on the progress of the trial and any further legal challenges that may arise for Bello and his co-defendants.
