Yahaya Bello’s cousin granted N2bn bail over fraud

On Monday, February 20th, 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted a bail of N2 billion to four defendants, including Yahaya Bello‘s cousin Ali Bello, who were charged with fraud amounting to N3 billion.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered the defendants to pay N500 million each as bail, with two sureties in like sum who must reside in Abuja with identifiable addresses. The judge also ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court and can only travel with due permission from the court.

The defendants, including Bello, Abba Adauda, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyadai Sadat, were arraigned on 18-count charges related to money laundering and procuring E-Traders International Limited to retain and transfer sums of money, which reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity, to accounts in Nigeria and the United States.

Ahmed Raji, SAN, who argued the bail applications of the defendants, noted that the charges against them are ordinarily bailable offenses and pleaded with the court to use its discretion in favor of the defendants. In response, the EFCC’s counsel, M. K. Husseini, had strongly opposed the request, arguing that the defendants were likely to jump bail and not make themselves available for trial.

The decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to grant bail to the defendants highlights the importance of the rule of law and access to justice in Nigeria. It also underscores the need for the judicial system to be free from any form of interference or manipulation.

It is essential to ensure that people accused of crimes have fair and transparent access to bail, especially in cases where the offenses are ordinarily bailable. The decision of the Federal High Court is expected to promote confidence in the judicial system and promote accountability in the country’s governance.

The grant of bail to the defendants by the Federal High Court in Abuja is a reminder of the importance of access to justice and the need to ensure that the rule of law is upheld in Nigeria. It is hoped that the trial will be conducted transparently and that justice will be served.