The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, with conditions totaling N500 million. The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, stipulated that two sureties, each with property in Abuja, must back the bail. These sureties are required to present the title documents of their properties for verification by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar and provide affidavits of means as part of the bail conditions.

Additionally, both the defendant and the sureties must submit recent passport photographs. The court further mandated that Bello surrender his international passport and refrain from leaving the country without prior approval. Until the bail terms are fully met, the former governor will remain in custody at Kuje prison.

Justice Nwite set February 24 and 28 as the dates for the commencement of the trial, which involves a 19-count charge of money laundering filed against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello, who served as Kogi State Governor from 2016 to 2024, has denied any involvement in the alleged N80.2 billion fraud. The EFCC accuses him of using five proxies to purchase luxury properties in prestigious locations in Abuja and Dubai. The former governor has consistently maintained his innocence regarding these allegations.