The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre.
Yahaya Bello’s release reportedly followed the fulfilment of the bail conditions established by the Federal Capital Territory High Court located in Maitama, Abuja.
Adamu Duza, the FCT Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday.
Duza said: “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening. The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.”
On Thursday, Justice MaryAnne Anenih approved bail for the former governor in the amount of N500 million.
Justice Anenih required that Bello present three sureties, each of whom must possess property in designated high-value neighbourhoods of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.
Additionally, the judge mandated that Bello surrender his passport and prohibited him from travelling outside Nigeria without obtaining prior consent.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Bello, along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, with a 16-count indictment that included conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property.
All three defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
Previously, Justice Anenih had denied Bello’s initial bail request on procedural grounds, although she had granted bail to his co-defendants.
