Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after fulfilling the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed Bello’s release.
Duza said: “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening. The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.”
On Thursday, Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted former Governor Yahaya Bello bail in the sum of N500 million.
The conditions required Bello to present three sureties, each owning property in high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. Additionally, the judge ordered Bello to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior approval.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Bello, alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, on a 16-count charge, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty.
Justice Anenih had previously denied Bello’s initial bail application on procedural grounds, although his co-defendants were granted bail.