Yahaya Bello granted N500m bail over alleged N80bn fraud

Weeks after his arrest and trier, former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja following allegations of misappropriating N80 billion.

It should be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had charged Bello with a 19-count indictment centred on alleged money laundering and corruption during his tenure.

,,,____Presiding Justice Emeka Nwite approved a N500 million bail for Bello on Friday, stipulating that the former governor must provide two sureties of equal value.

The sureties are required to swear affidavits of means and possess properties within Abuja, whose title documents must be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

_____Bello entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, asserting his innocence.

“I have faith in the judicial process and remain confident that the truth will prevail,” he said in a statement following the court proceedings.

…..The EFCC, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro, presented the charges in court.

These accusations, involving vast sums of public funds, have drawn significant public and political attention.

“We are determined to ensure accountability and justice,” Pinheiro remarked.

,,,______The court session also addressed a procedural matter as the EFCC sought to withdraw an earlier application to expedite Bello’s arraignment date.

Justice Nwite granted the request, deeming it overtaken by current events.

Counsel to the defence, Joseph Daudu, SAN, expressed confidence in his client’s case.

______“Governor Bello is prepared to defend himself against these charges. We are optimistic that the evidence will exonerate him,” Daudu stated.

This legal development marks a significant chapter in the EFCC’s ongoing battle against corruption in Nigeria.

…….—-The commission has been actively pursuing high-profile cases involving public officials, a move applauded by anti-corruption advocates.

The allegations against Bello have sparked mixed reactions. While some citizens view the charges as a necessary step towards accountability, others believe the accusations are politically motivated.

A resident of Lokoja, Kogi State, commented, “We hope the court will uncover the truth, whatever it may be.”

______Bello’s case is scheduled to resume in the coming weeks, with the court expected to delve deeper into the details of the alleged financial misappropriations.