In a dramatic turn of events, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre. This comes after he met the stringent bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The release marks a significant development in the ongoing corruption case against him. Let’s dive into the details of this breaking story.
- Freedom Granted: Yahaya Bello is no longer in custody.
- Bail Secured: He met the strict terms for his release.
- Corruption Case: This is in relation to a major case by the EFCC.
- Court Orders: Restrictions on travel and passport surrender.
Bello’s Journey to Freedom
After a tense legal battle, Yahaya Bello was granted bail by Justice MaryAnne Anenih. The bail was set at a hefty N500 million. The conditions included providing three sureties, all of whom must own properties in high-value areas of Abuja like Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. This isn’t your average slap-on-the-wrist situation!
The Release
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed that Bello was released on Friday. Adamu Duza, the FCT Command spokesperson, stated that the Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, ensured a smooth release, observing all necessary protocols.
What were the Bail Conditions?
Besides the hefty bail amount, Bello had to surrender his passport and was restricted from travelling outside Nigeria without prior permission from the court. These are some serious measures to ensure he doesn’t try to pull a Houdini.
The Charges
Bello, along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property. All three have pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for what will surely be a captivating legal showdown.
More to the Story
The EFCC case alleges that Bello and his co-defendants were involved in an 80 billion Naira money laundering scheme. This has made national headlines and intensified scrutiny of how public funds are handled in Nigeria.
What’s Next?
The legal proceedings are far from over. The case is ongoing, and all eyes will be on the next court date. Given the high profile of the case and the amount of money involved, this is something many Nigerians are following closely.
Bello’s release comes on the heels of other significant news in Nigeria, including the reduction of petrol prices by Dangote Refinery, and a major shake-up among Federal Permanent Secretaries. You can see how these events all intertwine and impact Nigeria’s national landscape.
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