Yahaya Bello Released from Kuje Prison After Bail Grant

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello regains freedom from Kuje Prison following his bail approval, marking a significant turn in his legal proceedings.

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions established by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed this development on Friday.

“Yahaya Bello was released this evening (Friday) after fulfilling the bail conditions,” Duza announced.

He added that Ajibogun Olatubosun, the Controller of the NCoS FCT Command, was present to supervise the process and ensure adherence to all protocols.

On Thursday, Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted Bello bail with a set amount of N500 million. The court stipulated that he must provide three sureties who each own property in upscale areas of Abuja like Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. Furthermore, Bello was ordered to surrender his passport and is not permitted to leave Nigeria without obtaining prior approval from the court.

The ex-governor, together with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is confronting a 16-count indictment issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges encompass conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illegal possession of property.

All the defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges.

Initially, Justice Anenih denied Bello’s bail application due to procedural issues. However, the court subsequently approved a new application, leading to his release. His co-defendants had been granted bail earlier.