Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties in like amount.
The decision follows an earlier ruling on December 10, when Justice Anenih rejected Bello’s initial bail application, deeming it premature since it was filed when the defendant was neither in custody nor before the court. The court had, however, allowed for a fresh application to be filed.
Bello is standing trial alongside two others on allegations of laundering N110 billion. He has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the hearing, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), informed the court that the defense team had filed and later sought to withdraw a further affidavit submitted in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan (SAN), raised no objection, and the court struck out the further affidavit.
Daudu also highlighted discussions held with the prosecution team to ensure a swift trial, urging the court to grant bail and consider easing the bail conditions. He specifically requested that the scope of properties to be used as sureties include locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than being restricted to Maitama.
In response, Enitan confirmed the collaborative discussions and assured the court of the prosecution’s commitment to expedite the trial, in line with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).
He said, “I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar that is leading the Defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.
“As with the legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice, we have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, your lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application.
“We are therefore leaving this to your lordship’s discretion.”
In her ruling, Justice Maryanne Anenih noted that the charges against the first defendant, Yahaya Bello, were bailable and subsequently granted him bail in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties of equal amount.
The court specified that the sureties must be prominent Nigerians who own landed property in designated areas of the Federal Capital Territory, namely Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
Additionally, Bello was ordered to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court. Until he fulfills the bail conditions, he is to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.