Yahaya Adosa Bello , the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, currently standing trial for an alleged N108 billion fraud before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged his supporters not to celebrate reports of his bail, as he remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, OUR WORLD GIST Report
Speaking through one of his supporters, Mazu Obera, Bello revealed that the bail conditions set by the court are stringent and may take some time to fulfill. As a result, he will remain in custody until February 26, 2025, when the case is set to be mentioned again.
It was recalled that former Kogi State Speaker, Prince Mathew Kolawole, and Kabba Bunu LG Chairman, Bar. Zaccheaus Dare, along with others, issued statements congratulating Bello and commending the Federal High Court for granting him bail. Sources in Lokoja confirmed that buses were hired and people were mobilized to welcome Bello home, with some even gathering at Benghazi road in Wuse, the house of a former Governor, to celebrate his release. However, they were unaware that the real case that had sent Bello to Kuje prison on remand was being judged by the FCT High Court.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Friday, December 13, 2024, granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million. Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, stipulated that the former governor must provide two sureties in the same amount.
The sureties are required to swear an affidavit of means and must own properties within Abuja, with the title documents to be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
Furthermore, the court ordered Bello to deposit his international passport and two recent passport photographs, alongside those of his sureties.
Until these conditions are met, the ex-governor is to remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
