BREAKING: Yahaya Bello regains freedom, released from Kuje custodial centre

Former Kogi State Governor 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.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed the development to News360 Nigeria on Friday evening.

Bello was granted bail of N500 million with stringent conditions, including providing three sureties who own properties in Abuja’s highbrow areas. His release follows weeks of detention linked to charges of alleged fraud amounting to N110 billion.

Duza said, “Yahaya Bello has been released after meeting the bail conditions. He was released this evening (Friday).”

“The Controller of NCoS FCT, Ajibogun Olatubosun, was on the ground to ensure his smooth release and that all protocols were observed.”

Bello was granted bail on Thursday by Justice MaryAnne Anenih in the sum of N500m.

The conditions included providing three sureties, each owning property in select high-value areas of Abuja, such as Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro.

The court also ordered Bello to surrender his passport and restricted his travel outside Nigeria without prior permission.

The former governor, along with Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

All three have pleaded not guilty.

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

Bello’s fresh application was approved on Thursday, leading to his release.