Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has been granted bail in the sum of N500 million by the Federal High Court.
The bail is granted with two sureties, each in the same sum, following his arraignment on Friday.
Bello faces 19 charges related to an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme, which he denies committing.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges, requesting the court to grant bail, which was not initially opposed.
Bello’s legal counsel assured the court that the former governor would attend all future hearings during the trial.
The EFCC prosecution, after consultations, agreed to the bail application, citing no objection to the defendant’s assurances.
The judge emphasized that Bello’s bail conditions must be met before his release from Kuje Correctional Centre.
Bello was asked to submit his international passport and provide sureties with verifiable landed properties within court jurisdiction.
The judge also fixed February 24, 2025, for further hearings in the case, focusing on the money laundering charges.
This ruling comes after an earlier delay regarding jurisdictional matters, which had been resolved at the Court of Appeal.
