Ex-Kogi Gov Bello Regains Freedom From Kuje Prison

The immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja after meeting the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed Bello’s release on Friday evening.

He said, “Yahaya Bello has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after fulfilling the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.”

Further confirming the development, a top official at the Kuje facility stated, “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday).”

LEADERSHIP reports that the FCT High Court had on Thursday granted bail to Bello in the sum of N500 million over money laundering charges.

Bello’s release followed a ruling on Thursday by Justice Maryann Anenih, who granted the bail application under the condition that he provides three sureties in the same sum. The sureties must be responsible citizens with property in prime areas of the FCT, including Guzape, Wuse 2, Apo, Asokoro, and Jabi. Additionally, the sureties were required to submit two passport photographs and valid identification, including their National Identification Number (NIN).

The judge further asked the former governor to deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court registrar.

The new development came after Justice Anenih had rejected Bello’s initial bail application on procedural grounds but granted bail to his co-defendants.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for the FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was present to oversee the release process and ensure all protocols were adhered to.