The Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted former governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello bail in sum 500million naira and three sureties in like sum.
The trial judge, Justice MaryAnne Anenih made the pronouncement after listening to a fresh bail application brought before the court following the court’s refusal to grant Bello bail at the last sitting.
Justice Anenih also held that the sureties must be responsible citizens who are land owners in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki and Asokoro areas of Abuja.
This is the second time a court of coordinate jurisdiction would grant the former governor of kogi state Yahaya Bello, bail.
The Federal Capital Territory High court had on the last adjourned date, denied Bello bail on grounds that the bail application he filed was premature, having been filed at a time the former governor was neither in custody nor before the court.
The court however fixed January 29, 2025 for hearing on the matter.
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However the date for hearing was pushed closer following an application for bail filed by Bello.
When the case was called for hearing, on Thursday, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, sought to withdraw a further affidavit in response to the counter affidavit filed and served by the prosecution counsels, on grounds of not making issues before the court more contentious.
The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, however was not opposed to the withdrawal, prompting the court to strike out the affidavit.
The senior lawyer, Daudu, also informed the court of discussions and agreements with the prosecution counsel, to ensure a speedy trial in the matter, urging the court to grant his client bail, a submission the prosecution lawyer did not oppose.
Justice Anenih while delivering ruling, noting that the defendant’s offense was bailable, grated Bello bail to the tune of 500 million Naira with three sureties in like sum, with landed property within jurisdiction.
Bello was also asked to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court, and he is to remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.
The court also granted the application to vary the bail conditions for, Umaru Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, the 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
According to the court, their bail bond still stands at 300 million Naira , with two sureties who must own landed property in, Jabi, Apo, Garki, Wuse, or Guzape, and not restricted to only Maitama as stated initially.
The duo will remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.
The Federal high court had on December 13 been granted bail in the sum of 500 million Naira, with 2 sureties in like sum.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
