N110.4 Billion Money Laundering Case: Yahaya Bello Requests Maitama Property Exemption For Bail
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, to exempt him from using landed property in the Maitama district as part of his bail conditions.
The plea was made on Thursday, December 19, 2024, through Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), during a hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih. Daudu argued that obtaining Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents for Maitama properties is particularly challenging.
“My Lord, most people willing to act as sureties are reluctant to part with their original title documents. Additionally, many Maitama properties are corporate establishments like Transcorp Hilton and NCC. We plead with this honourable court to consider alternative highbrow areas such as Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and others when setting bail conditions,” Daudu said.
He also emphasized that the charges against Bello were bailable and highlighted the need for Bello’s unrestricted access to legal documents to prepare for trial.
The prosecution, led by Olukayode Eniton (SAN), did not oppose the bail application.
“We confirm discussions with the defense counsel and, based on assurances that the defendant will stand trial, defer to your lordship’s discretion regarding bail terms,” Eniton said.
Justice Anenih granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties of like sum. The sureties must be prominent Nigerians with properties in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro. Bello was also ordered to deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court registrar and remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre in Kuje until his bail conditions are met.
Co-defendants Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had their bail conditions adjusted. The judge reduced their bail from N300 million to N200 million and allowed them to present properties within the court’s jurisdiction matching the bail value.
Bello, Oricha, and Hudu face a 16-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N110.4 billion.
The case was adjourned until January 29, 2024, for a hearing on the substantive suit.
