Big Story: Ex-Gov Bello gets N500m bail
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has granted Yahaya Adoza Bello, immediate former Governor of Kogi State, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
This decision forms part of an ongoing trial regarding allegations of fraud totaling N80 billion.
The next court hearing has been scheduled for February 24, 2025.
The bail was granted based on the conduct of Bello’s legal representation and other factors presented during the hearing.
After entering a not-guilty plea, the former governor was confronted with 19-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
When the case was called for hearing on Friday, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the Prosecution’s intention to withdraw its earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.
He pointed out that the application had been overtaken by events. The Defendant’s Counsels, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object and Justice Emeka Nwite, subsequently granted the request.
After the Defendant entered his plea, Daudu SAN offered explanations for his non-appearance at prior hearings.
“I would like to place on record that, for any impression that might have been created that the Defendant did not wish to appear before Your Lordship, coincidentally, the ruling on my lord’s sitting this morning dealt with the issue of jurisdiction.”
“The defendant had his counsel challenge the jurisdiction of the court, a challenge that eventually reached the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.”
“His actions were not a sign of disrespect, but rather self-defense. We have the utmost respect for your lordship. If he had wanted to give that impression, he would not have presented himself for arraignment. That episode is behind us, and things are clearer now” the Counsel stated.
While moving an application for bail, he assured the court that the former governor would always be present for the trial.
“I am making this statement with the utmost sense of responsibility, that the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State, who travelled only two times out of his eight years in service, will always be present in court at all times.”
“There should be no concern that he will flee while on bail. So we urge your lordship to grant us very reasonable bail conditions that he can fulfill.,” the Defendant’s Counsel said.
He praised the Prosecution Counsel, noting that he had conducted himself admirably, given that the matter was not of paramount importance.
He noted that they had come to an understanding, wherein counsel would not unduly tax his lordship over the matter of bail.
The Prosecution Counsel concurred.
Pinheiro, SAN, commented, “I am privileged to acknowledge the very eminent lead senior counsel, a man of immense stature, whose stature extends far beyond his physical presence.”
“I hold him in high esteem as the president of the NBA. I also confirm that we have been engaging in a series of discussions to alleviate the burden on your lordship, in accordance with Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Ethics.”
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“I would like to acknowledge that your lordship has rendered at least five rulings in this matter, and our goal is to streamline the process. As prosecutors, rather than persecutors, the EFCC operates as a professional and prosecutorial commission.,” he said.
He added, “We accept the assurances of the highly esteemed SAN that the defendant will present himself subject to your lordship’s discretionary terms that may be imposed.
“In doing so, we will ease the burden on the court. Therefore, we will not oppose the eminent SAN’s submission..”
The Prosecution Counsel stated that although they had submitted a counter-affidavit, they would not object to the bail, based on the assurances of the learned SAN.
In ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite commented, “I have reviewed the submissions of both counsels, and it is apparent that both parties have filed applications connected to this matter.”
“In light of the account proffered by learned counsel for the defendant, which was exhibited and reinforced by prosecution counsel, I am minded to reconsider my initial stand on this matter.”
He granted the Defendant bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties.
“To qualify as sureties, individuals must be landed property owners within the court’s jurisdiction. They are required to swear an affidavit of means. Additionally, the court registrar must verify the title deeds of priority.,” he said.
The Defendant was also instructed to submit his international passport and will be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions
It would be recalled that the ex-governor was earlier remanded in a fresh N110bn charge by the EFCC, pending his bail application.
