The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello bail of N500 million following his arraignment on 16 counts of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, alongside others, is accused of mismanaging ₦80.2 billion obtained through a criminal breach of trust, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
Charges and EFCC Allegations
One of the most notable allegations involves Count 18, which accuses Bello of indirectly facilitating the transfer of $570,330 to an account in the United States in 2021. According to the EFCC, the funds are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Bello pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence. His legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, emphasized that the defendant had not deliberately absented himself from earlier court proceedings. They attributed delays to legal challenges to the court’s jurisdiction.
Arguments for Bail
In requesting bail, Daudu pointed to Bello’s record as a two-term governor and his limited international travel history, arguing that he poses no flight risk. He assured the court of Bello’s commitment to attending all trial sessions.
The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the court’s discretion.
Court’s Ruling
Justice Emeka Nwite granted bail with strict conditions:
- Bail Amount: N500 million with two sureties in the same amount.
- Sureties Requirements: Must own landed property in Abuja.
- Passport Submission: Bello must surrender his international passport to the court.
- Custody Condition: Pending the fulfillment of bail conditions, Bello is to remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The trial was adjourned to February 24, 28, 2025, and March 6 and 7, 2025.
Further Complications
Despite the bail, Bello’s legal troubles are far from over:
- EFCC’s Declaration: Bello was previously declared wanted due to alleged evasion of arrest, with the EFCC accusing the Kogi State government of shielding him under the guise of “immunity.”
- Additional Cases: In addition to the current trial, Bello faces another fraud case at the FCT High Court involving the alleged misappropriation of ₦100 billion. In this separate matter, the court denied him bail, deeming his application premature.
Bigger Implications
The allegations and ongoing trials against Yahaya Bello underscore the EFCC’s intensified efforts to prosecute high-profile corruption cases. However, critics argue that the slow pace of legal proceedings and overlapping court challenges often complicate such cases, leaving questions about justice and accountability.
