Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was granted bail on Friday by the Federal High Court in Abuja, stirring reactions both inside and outside the courtroom. Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, in a scathing critique, described Nigeria as “a paradise for thieves,” referencing the celebratory atmosphere following the ruling.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties in like sum, after the former governor pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80 billion.
During the proceedings, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), informed the court of the withdrawal of an earlier application to expedite Bello’s arraignment, citing that the request had been overtaken by events. Bello’s defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and the court approved the withdrawal.
Following Bello’s plea, Daudu provided explanations for his absence in prior hearings before successfully securing bail for his client.
Reacting to the developments on his social media platform, Sowore lamented the perceived glorification of corruption. “Yahaya Bello is granted bail and is the instant hero in the courtroom! Just loot enough to bankrupt the poor and enrich the elites; you then become the hero of the poor and the rich. NIGERIA is a paradise for thieves,” he posted on X.
The case continues to draw widespread public attention as Nigerians await further legal proceedings on the monumental fraud allegations.
Comments