Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre following the fulfillment of bail conditions set by the Federal High Court.
His release took place on Friday evening and was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Duza stated, “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting bail conditions. He was released this (Friday) evening. The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on ground to ensure his smooth release and all protocols observed.”
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice MaryAnne Anenih, granted Bello bail on Thursday. The bail was set at N500 million, with stringent conditions including the provision of three sureties.
These sureties are required to own properties in high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. Additionally, Bello’s international passport was confiscated to prevent him from leaving Nigeria without prior approval.
Bello, alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property. All three individuals have pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
