Embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been freed from Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
He was released on the evening of Friday, December 20, 2024, with the Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT present to ensure that all the protocols were observed.
The NCoS FCT Command’s spokesperson, Adamu Duza, confirmed the development on Friday.
Duza said, “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday).
“The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.”
This comes barely 24 hours after Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted the former Governor N500m bail.
The bail conditions compelled Bello to provide three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.
The court also ordered him to surrender his international passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior permission.
Bello is facing charges of a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property, preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was charged alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, with all three pleading not guilty.
Justice Anenih had earlier rejected the former Governor’s initial bail application on procedural grounds but granted his co-defendants.
He subsequently filed a fresh application, which was approved on Thursday paving the way for his release.
