Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after complying with the bail requirements set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed the development on Friday.
“Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday),” Duza stated.
He further disclosed that the Controller of the NCoS, FCT Command, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was present to oversee the process, ensuring that all protocols were duly observed.
Bello was granted bail on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih, who set the sum at N500 million. The court mandated that he provide three sureties, each owning property in premium areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. Additionally, Bello was required to surrender his passport and was prohibited from leaving Nigeria without prior court approval.
The former governor, alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While Justice Anenih initially rejected Bello’s bail application on procedural grounds, the court later approved a fresh application, resulting in his eventual release. His co-defendants had earlier been granted bail.
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