Alleged N3b Fraud: Court Grants Bail To Gov. Bello’s Nephew, Three Others
Ali Bello, a nephew of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and three other people have been granted N500 million bail apiece by Judge Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in their alleged N3 billion fraud prosecution.
The judge ruled that the defendants are eligible for release since the charges against them can be reduced in order for them to effectively prepare for trial.
On Monday, Judge Egwuatu issued the decision and stated that he was inclined to give the defendants’ bail in the amount of N500 million each with two sureties in the same amount.
The sureties must reside in Abuja, have recognizable addresses, and hold landed property worth N500 million that is subject to the same laws as the secured loan.
The judge further stipulated that the original title documents for the aforementioned property, along with proof of tax payments for the three years 2020–2022, must be filed with the court registrar.
The defendants’ international passports must be deposited with the court, according to the judge, who also ruled that they can only travel with the proper authorization from the court.
The trial was set to begin on April 16 after the case was postponed.
Bello was arraigned before Judge Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on February 8, 2023, together with Abba Adauda, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyadai Sadat, on an 18-count criminal accusation.
As they entered a not-guilty plea, Judge Egwuatu ordered their release on bail and postponed the hearing to February 13.
