The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, setting the amount at N500 million.
As part of the bail conditions, Bello is required to provide two sureties who must own properties in Abuja, subject to verification by the court. He is also mandated to surrender his international passport and is prohibited from leaving the country without prior approval from the court.
Until these conditions are met, the former governor will remain in custody at Kuje prison.
Bello is facing a 19-count charge of money laundering involving N80.2 billion, with the trial set to commence on February 24 and 28. The charges include allegations of using proxies to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai.
The former governor, who led Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence against the accusations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).