In a dramatic turn of events, former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded with the Federal High Court in Abuja to spare him the possession of a prime piece of property in Maitama, Abuja, as part of his bail conditions.
Bello, who is facing serious allegations of involvement in a N110 billion fraud, was granted bail earlier this week by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama.
However, during the bail hearing, Bello made an appeal to the court, requesting that the requirement to provide property in high-demand areas of Abuja, including the prestigious Maitama district, be waived.
The court granted Bello bail on the condition that he pays N500 million and provides three sureties, each of whom must also have landed property in prime areas of Abuja. These areas include Guzape, Wuse 2, Apo, Asokoro, and Jabi.
Justice Maryann Anenih, who presided over the case, explained that each surety must be a responsible citizen with verifiable properties in these prime locations. Additionally, the sureties must submit two passport photographs and provide valid identification, including their National Identification Number (NIN).
Bello’s plea regarding the Maitama property came after the judge’s ruling on the bail conditions.
The former governor, who was visibly distressed, argued that the court’s requirement for possession of a property in Maitama – one of the most sought-after and expensive districts in the Federal Capital Territory – could be an unfair burden.
His lawyer, who spoke on his behalf in the courtroom, explained that the former governor had no intention of fleeing or escaping from the law, and he was willing to comply with other conditions set by the court.
“We understand the importance of ensuring that accused persons comply with the law, but the property condition is too extreme given the circumstances,” the lawyer said.
Justice Anenih, in her ruling, said she would not make any changes to the conditions as set out but urged Bello’s legal team to work with the court if they had any concerns regarding the bail terms.
This latest development comes just a week after Bello was granted bail by a different federal court in Abuja on charges of money laundering in another case involving a separate N80 billion fraud.
The N110 billion fraud charges against the former governor are believed to be related to his time in office, with allegations suggesting that he misappropriated funds meant for various state development projects. The case has attracted significant media attention, and many Nigerians are keenly following its developments.
Bello’s legal troubles have continued to mount since leaving office as governor. The recent fraud allegations are only the latest in a series of legal battles that have plagued the former politician.
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Bello has denied all wrongdoing and maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated.
In a statement released by his spokesperson after the bail hearing, Bello vowed to clear his name in court, calling the allegations “baseless” and “without merit.”
“I have always served the people of Kogi State with the utmost dedication and integrity,” the statement read. “I am confident that the court will see the truth and I will be exonerated of these charges.”
The legal team representing Bello has also sought to cast doubt on the validity of the allegations, claiming that the fraud charges were part of a wider political scheme to discredit the former governor.
“We are ready to fight these charges in court and prove beyond any doubt that Yahaya Bello is innocent,” the lawyer declared outside the courtroom.
In the meantime, the court’s decision to grant bail comes as a relief to Bello, who had been detained for several weeks while the investigation into the alleged fraud continued.
The N500 million bail, while substantial, is seen by some as a sign of confidence in the legal process, as well as an attempt to ensure that Bello remains available for trial without being a flight risk.
Observers believe that the court’s decision to grant bail is not unusual in high-profile cases like this, where the accused is seen as an influential figure with strong political connections.
However, many Nigerians are sceptical about the fairness of the bail conditions. The requirement for sureties to have properties in prime areas like Maitama, Asokoro, and Guzape has been criticised by some as being too lenient on wealthy individuals, raising questions about whether the bail system is truly designed to ensure justice for all.
“Bail conditions like this only benefit the rich and powerful. It’s not an equal system,” one concerned citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
Critics have argued that the justice system in Nigeria often favours the wealthy and influential, with accusations of corruption and bias often levied against the courts.
As the case progresses, it is expected to attract more public attention, with many hoping for a fair trial and a swift resolution.
The N110 billion fraud case involving Yahaya Bello is likely to have far-reaching implications, especially given the scale of the allegations and the prominent figures involved.
Bello, once a rising star in Nigerian politics, now finds himself at the centre of a scandal that could tarnish his political career for years to come. His supporters, however, remain hopeful that he will ultimately be cleared of all charges.
