The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, setting the bond at ₦500 million. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the Friday hearing, laid out stringent conditions for the bail, which include the provision of two sureties in like sum.

The judge stipulated that the sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and provide proof of ownership of properties located in Abuja. These title documents are to be verified by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar. Additionally, the ex-governor is required to surrender his international passport and submit recent passport photographs, along with his sureties, to the court.

Until the bail conditions are fully met, Bello will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja.

Bello, who pleaded not guilty to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) 19-count charge of alleged ₦80 billion fraud, was arraigned earlier in the week. The charges include allegations of money laundering during his tenure as governor.

During Friday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the withdrawal of an earlier application to expedite the arraignment. The defense, represented by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not oppose this withdrawal, leading Justice Nwite to strike out the application.

The former governor is also facing a separate ₦110 billion fraud charge, for which he was earlier remanded pending the outcome of his bail application.

The case has been adjourned to February 24 for the continuation of hearings.