Court Grants Bail in Money Laundering Case with Stringent Terms
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, has successfully appealed for bail before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, in a case involving alleged money laundering of N110.4 billion.
Bello, represented by his counsel J.B. Daudu SAN, requested adjustments to the bail conditions, specifically the requirement of landed property in Maitama. He argued that obtaining Certificates of Occupancy and title documents in the district is challenging due to the area’s peculiarities.
“My Lord, many buildings in Maitama are corporate establishments, and individuals are often reluctant to part with their original title documents. We plead that other highbrow areas like Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and others be considered for meeting the bail conditions,” Daudu said.
The prosecution, led by Olukayode Eniton SAN, did not oppose the bail application, stating confidence in the defendant’s willingness to stand trial.
Justice Anenih granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed properties in Maitama or other specified highbrow areas such as Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.
Additional conditions include the submission of Bello’s passport and other travel documents to the court registrar. Until the bail terms are met, Bello will remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kuje.
For co-defendants Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, the court reduced their bail sum from N300 million to N200 million, allowing the use of properties within the court’s jurisdiction that match the bail value.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello, Oricha, and Hudu on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N110.4 billion.
Justice Anenih adjourned the hearing on the substantive suit to January 29, 2024.