The embattled former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, has pleaded with Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, to exclude landed property in the high-profile Maitama district as part of his bail conditions.
Bello, who is facing a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N110.4 billion, made the appeal on Thursday, December 19, 2024, through his counsel, J.B. Daudu SAN. His request formed a critical part of his bail hearing before Justice Anenih.
In his submission, Daudu highlighted the challenges associated with securing Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents for properties in Maitama due to the district’s unique characteristics.
“My Lord, it is a well-known fact that individuals willing to serve as sureties often hesitate to part with their original title documents. Furthermore, Maitama houses several corporate establishments like Transcorp Hilton and NCC, which complicates the process. We respectfully urge this honourable court to consider other upscale districts such as Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and Garki when stipulating bail conditions for our client,” Daudu implored.
The senior advocate emphasized that Bello’s unrestricted access during trial preparation is paramount, stating that some essential documents are exclusively within Bello’s reach. “The charges against him are bailable. Moreover, the second and third defendants in this case have already been granted bail. My client’s continued detention is purely due to procedural delays,” Daudu argued.
Surprisingly, the prosecution, led by Olukayode Enitan SAN, did not oppose the bail application.
“We confirm that the defense counsel has been in communication with the prosecution team. On the assurance that the defendant will not evade trial, we leave the decision regarding bail terms to your lordship’s discretion,” Enitan told the court.
After careful consideration, Justice Maryann Anenih granted Yahaya Bello bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum. She stipulated that the sureties must be prominent Nigerians owning landed properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Jabi, Guzape, Garki, or Apo.
Additionally, Bello was ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court registrar. Until the bail conditions are met, he is to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre in Kuje.
For the two other defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, the judge adjusted their bail conditions, reducing the required sum from N300 million to N200 million. They were permitted to secure properties of equivalent value within the court’s jurisdiction.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello, Oricha, and Hudu for their alleged roles in a massive money laundering scheme involving N110.4 billion. The defendants face charges ranging from criminal breach of trust to embezzlement and money laundering.
Justice Anenih adjourned the trial to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive suit.
As this high-stakes legal battle unfolds, the case has attracted significant public interest due to its implications for accountability and governance in Nigeria. The EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that justice prevails, while Bello’s defense team remains resolute in securing his freedom under favorable conditions.
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