The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, following an 18-count indictment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges involve alleged money laundering and the misappropriation of public funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion.

Bail Conditions
Justice Emeka Nwite set stringent bail terms, including:

Two sureties providing N500 million each with ownership of verifiable properties in Abuja.

Submission and verification of title documents by the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

Sworn affidavits of means by the sureties and recent passport photographs of both Bello and the sureties.

Surrender of Bello’s international passport, restricting travel outside Nigeria without court approval.


Until these conditions are met, Bello will remain in custody at Kuje prison.

EFCC Allegations
The EFCC accuses Bello of using proxies to acquire luxurious properties in Abuja and Dubai, diverting funds during his governorship (2016–2024).

Bello has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include money laundering, breach of trust, and public funds mismanagement.

The trial is scheduled to commence on February 24 and 28, 2024.