The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties in like sum.
This followed the former governor’s plea of not guilty to the 19-count charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello is facing trial for alleged money laundering involving N80 billion but maintained his innocence on all charges.
During the hearing, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the Prosecution’s intention to withdraw an earlier application to abridge the date initially set for arraignment. He stated that the application had been overtaken by events. The Defendant’s Counsel, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objection, and Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request.
After the Defendant entered his plea, Daudu, SAN, clarified why he had not appeared at earlier court sessions.
“I would like to place on record that any impression suggesting the Defendant was unwilling to appear before your lordship is incorrect. Coincidentally, this morning’s ruling on jurisdiction highlights this issue.
“The Defendant instructed his counsel to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, which was escalated to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. It was not a matter of willful disrespect but a legitimate defense strategy. We hold your lordship in high esteem. If the Defendant had no respect for the court, he would not have presented himself for arraignment. That matter is behind us now,” he stated.
Moving a bail application, Daudu assured the court of the Defendant’s commitment to attending future proceedings.
“With the highest sense of responsibility, I state that the Defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State who traveled only twice during his eight years in office, will always be present in court. There should be no concern that he will abscond. We, therefore, urge your lordship to grant reasonable bail conditions,” the counsel said.
He also commended the Prosecution Counsel, noting their professional conduct.
“The Prosecution Counsel has handled this case with integrity, demonstrating that this matter is not a do-or-die affair,” Daudu added.
In response, Pinheiro, SAN, expressed his respect for the Defendant’s Counsel.
“I must commend the very eminent lead senior counsel. His stature in the legal profession, as a former NBA president, is remarkable. We have engaged in discussions to ensure minimal burden on the court in compliance with Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Ethics.
“We are prosecutors, not persecutors, and the EFCC is a professional body. We accept the assurances of the learned SAN that the Defendant will appear in court as required,” Pinheiro stated.
Although the Prosecution had filed a counter-affidavit, Pinheiro said they would not oppose the bail application, given the assurances provided by the defense.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said, “I have considered the submissions of both counsels. Based on the evidence and assurances provided, I am inclined to reconsider my earlier position on this matter.”
He granted the Defendant bail in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties.
“The sureties must own landed property within the jurisdiction of this court and provide affidavits of means. The title deeds must be verified by the court registrar,” he directed.
The Defendant was also ordered to submit his international passport and remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfils the bail conditions.
It is worth noting that the former governor had earlier been remanded in custody on a separate N110 billion charge filed by the EFCC pending his bail application.
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