Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello meets bail conditions, released from Kuje prison

Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello meets bail conditions, released from Kuje prison

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre, PulseNets has learned.

Bello secured his freedom after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The release was confirmed by Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). Speaking to PulseNets, 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.”

PulseNets reported that Justice MaryAnne Anenih had, on Thursday, granted the former governor bail set at N500 million. The court stipulated that Bello must produce three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.

The judge also ordered Bello to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior approval.

Bello, along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property.

Also Read: Court admits Yahaya Bello to N500m bail, returns him to Kuje Prison

PulseNets learnt that all three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Anenih had initially declined Bello’s bail application on procedural grounds but had granted bail to his co-defendants before eventually approving the former governor’s conditional release.