A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a monumental N110 billion fraud case. The embattled ex-governor was admitted to bail on Wednesday after meeting stringent conditions, including a N500 million bond and two sureties with verifiable assets.
Bello, who has consistently denied allegations of embezzlement during his tenure, is facing charges leveled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency accused him of orchestrating a complex scheme to divert state funds meant for infrastructure and development projects.
The court, presided over by Justice Egwuatu, emphasized that the bail is not a declaration of innocence but a constitutional provision to ensure a fair trial.
As the case unfolds, political and public discourse intensifies, with many viewing this as a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption crusade. Bello, a controversial figure, remains defiant, pledging to clear his name.
The trial is set to resume in January, with the nation watching closely.