Kehinde Fajobi
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre after fulfilling the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed the release on Friday evening, The Punch reports.
“Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday),” Duza said.
He added that the FCT Controller of NCoS, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was present to ensure a smooth release and adherence to all protocols.
Justice MaryAnne Anenih had granted Bello bail on Thursday, setting the amount at ₦500 million.
The conditions required three sureties, each owning property in high-value Abuja areas like Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.
The court also directed Bello to surrender his passport and prohibited him from traveling outside Nigeria without prior approval.
Bello, alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property.
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Justice Anenih initially denied Bello’s bail application due to procedural issues but approved a fresh application on Thursday, paving the way for his release.