Yahaya Bello Granted N500 Million Bail in N80 Billion Money Laundering Case

Yahaya Bello Granted N500 Million Bail in N80 Billion Money Laundering Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, N500 million bail in the 16-count money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).¹

Bello, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was accused of conspiring to convert N80,246,470,088.88, allegedly obtained through a criminal breach of trust, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

During the court proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, requested that the charges be read to Bello, which was not opposed by Bello's lawyer, Joseph Daudu SAN.

The court granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed properties within Abuja, and the title documents of their properties will be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar.²

Bello is also required to surrender his international passport and is prohibited from leaving the country without prior approval. He will remain in custody at Kuje prison until he meets the bail conditions.

The court adjourned the case to February 24, 2025, for the commencement of hearings on the 19-count charge of money laundering filed against Bello by the EFCC.