The immediate past Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello has been released from Kuje prison after meeting all the necessary bail conditions demanded by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza confirmed Bello’s release on Friday evening and shortly after the news broke, a video surfaced online capturing a celebration moment of Yahaya Bello’s return. The incumbent governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo was among the people spotted celebrating the return of his predecessor.
Recall that the former governor, along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, are facing a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of properties, which were brought to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
After the initial unsuccessful attempt to grant the ex-governor bail due to “procedural grounds” as described by Justice Anenih, the defendant on Thursday met the required bail conditions which include the sum of N500m, three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro and submission of his international passport to ensure he doesn’t travel outside the country without permission.
Consequently, he was granted bail and released from custody on Friday evening as confirmed by Duza, the Abuja correctional centre’s spokesperson. “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.” He said.
