Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
It was learnt that Bello was released on Friday.
It had been reported that Bello, who served as governor from 2016 to 2023, faces charges related to the mismanagement of state funds, as well as accusations of embezzlement and abuse of office.
Bello is facing trial, alongside two others, on allegations of N110 billion in money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over alleged N110billion fraud.
The court, which remanded Bello, who fled trial for months, in prison pending his bail application, adjourned the case to January 29, February 25, and February 27, 2025, for further hearings.
Bello was granted bail on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih in the sum of N500m.
The conditions included providing three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.
The court also ordered Bello to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior permission.
However, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed to PUNCH on Friday evening, noting that Bello was released after meeting the bail conditions
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.”
