Yahaya Bello Regains Freedom After Meeting Bail Conditions

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has regained freedom after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. He was released from Kuje Custodial Centre on Friday evening.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed the release in a statement. "Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday)," Duza said.

The Controller of the NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, supervised Bello's release to ensure all protocols were duly observed.

Bello had been granted bail on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih, who set the bail amount at N500 million. Among the conditions were the provision of three sureties, each owning property in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.

Additionally, the court mandated that Bello surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior court approval.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 16-count charge against Bello, along with co-defendants Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, alleging conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property. All defendants pleaded not guilty.

Bello's initial bail application was rejected by Justice Anenih on procedural grounds, although his co-defendants were granted bail. However, a fresh application was submitted and approved on Thursday, leading to his eventual release.