The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after fulfilling the bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed the release in a brief statement on Friday.

“Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was present to oversee his smooth release and ensure all protocols were observed,” he said.

Justice MaryAnne Anenih granted Bello bail on Thursday, setting the sum at ₦500 million. The bail conditions included the provision of three sureties, each owning property in high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.

Additionally, the court directed Bello to surrender his passport and restricted him from travelling outside Nigeria without prior approval.

The former governor, along with two others, is facing allegations of fraud involving ₦110 billion allegedly diverted from the coffers of the Kogi State government.

Bello pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On 10 December, Justice Anenih adjourned the case to 29 and 30 January, and 25 and 27 February 2025, after declining Bello’s initial bail request, citing that it was filed prematurely.

At Thursday’s hearing, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, informed the court that the defence had filed a further affidavit in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. However, he subsequently applied to withdraw it.

The trial in the case is set to commence on 29 January 2025.

Separately, the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Bello faces additional charges of ₦80 billion in alleged money laundering, has also granted him bail and scheduled trial dates.