The High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has granted bail to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the amount of ₦500 million, requiring two sureties of equivalent value.
Justice Maryann Anenih had previously denied the ex-governor’s bail request on December 10, citing that it was submitted prematurely.
In her earlier ruling, she noted that the application was invalid as the first defendant was neither in custody nor present in court at that time.
However, the court allowed the former governor’s legal team the opportunity to submit a new bail application and request a hearing date.
The ex-governor is currently facing allegations of money laundering involving N110 billion, alongside two co-defendants.
He has pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the hearing on Thursday, Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing the former governor, informed the court that the defense had submitted a further affidavit in response to the counter-affidavit from the prosecution.
He subsequently requested to withdraw the further affidavit, stating, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.”
The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, raised no objections to this request.
Consequently, the court approved the withdrawal and dismissed the further affidavit.
Daudu, SAN, also conveyed to the court that discussions had occurred with the head of the prosecution team, leading to an agreement aimed at expediting the trial process.
Subsequently, Daudu implored the court to approve the bail application.
Additionally, he requested that should the court kindly grant bail to the defendant, it should reconsider the bail conditions for the first, second, and third defendants.
He advocated for an expansion of the properties eligible to serve as bail sureties, suggesting that they should encompass locations throughout the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) instead of being restricted to Maitama alone.
The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, confirmed that Daudu, SAN, had engaged in discussions with the prosecution team.
In accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), the EFCC counsel assured their commitment to facilitating a swift trial.
He said, “I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar leading the defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.
“As with the legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice, we have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, your lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application.
“We are, therefore, leaving this to your lordship’s discretion.”
In her ruling, Justice Anenih recognized that the charge against the first defendant was one that allowed for bail and subsequently granted the former governor bail in the amount of ₦500 million, requiring three sureties of equivalent value.
These sureties are to be distinguished Nigerians possessing real estate in the areas of Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
Additionally, the first defendant was instructed to surrender his international passport and any other travel documents to the court. He is to remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until the stipulated bail conditions are fulfilled.