Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, to exclude Maitama properties as a condition for his bail in a case involving alleged money laundering of N110.4 billion.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu SAN, presented the request before Justice Maryann Anenih.
Daudu explained that securing Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents for properties in Maitama is particularly challenging due to the area’s unique circumstances.
He added, “Many potential sureties are hesitant to release their original property documents. Furthermore, Maitama is dominated by corporate establishments like Transcorp Hilton and NCC.
“We respectfully ask the court to consider alternative upscale locations such as Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and others for the bail conditions.”
Daudu also stressed the need for bail to facilitate Bello’s defence preparation, noting that similar bail terms had already been granted to two co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
In response, prosecuting counsel Olukayode Enitan SAN did not oppose the bail application, acknowledging the defence’s assurances that Bello would comply with trial proceedings.
Following arguments, Justice Anenih granted Bello bail at N500 million, requiring three sureties of equal value.
These sureties must own properties in Maitama or alternative high-value locations such as Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.
Bello was also ordered to surrender his passport and other travel documents to the court and remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Center until the conditions are met.
For the co-defendants, the judge adjusted their bail terms, reducing the sum from N300 million to N200 million and allowing them to present properties of equivalent value within the court’s jurisdiction.
Bello, Oricha, and Hudu are facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
The court adjourned the substantive trial to January 29, 2025.
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