Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre following his fulfillment of bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. His release was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command, who noted that all protocols were observed during the process.

Bello, accused of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property in a case involving N110.4 billion, was granted bail on Thursday by Justice Mary Anne Anenih. The bail was set at N500 million, with conditions requiring three sureties owning properties in upscale Abuja neighborhoods, including Maitama, Guzape, or Asokoro. He was also required to surrender his passport, restricting his travel outside Nigeria without court permission.

Comptroller of Corrections for the FCT, Ajibogun Olatunbosun, was present to oversee the former governor’s smooth release on Friday evening. The court had previously denied Bello’s initial bail application on procedural grounds but later approved a fresh application for his release.

Bello, alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). All three have pleaded not guilty to the allegations.