Kogiflame
Justice Maryann of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday granted bail to the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, in the sum of N500 million.
The court admitted the former governor to bail after striking out his earlier bail application on December 10.
The earlier application had been dismissed on the grounds that as of November 22, when it was filed, the former governor had not yet been taken into the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello was taken into custody by the anti-graft agency on November 26 and arraigned on November 27 alongside two others, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu.
The three defendants were arraigned by the EFCC, on behalf of the Federal Government, in a case marked FCT/HC/CR/778/24, facing a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust.
They were accused of committing a criminal breach of trust involving the sum of N110,446,470,089.
The EFCC also alleged that in 2023, in Abuja, the defendants dishonestly used N950 million from the Kogi State treasury to acquire property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja.
The offences were allegedly committed in violation of Section 311 of the Penal Code Cap 89 Law of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and are punishable under Section 312 of the same law.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them in open court.
Ruling on Bello’s bail application, Justice Anenih granted bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.
The court stipulated that the sureties must be responsible citizens of Nigeria and possess landed property within Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, or Jabi districts of the FCT. The original Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for the properties must be deposited with the court after verification.
Additionally, the court required each surety to submit two passport photographs and a copy of a valid identification document, including their National Identification Number (NIN).
The judge also ordered that the former governor deposit his passport or other travel documents with the court and prohibited him from traveling out of the country without prior court approval.
Justice Anenih further directed that Bello should remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfills the bail conditions.
Tribuneonline
