Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has been released from the Kuje Custodial Centre after meeting bail conditions set by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

According to The PUNCH, Bello’s release was confirmed on Friday evening by Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), FCT Command.

Duza stated, “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.”

On Thursday, Justice Maryanne Aninih granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million over money laundering charges. He was also required to provide two sureties in like sum, who must be notable Nigerians with landed properties in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.

Additionally, Bello was ordered to deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court registrar. This marked a reversal of his earlier bail application, which had been rejected on procedural grounds, although his co-defendants were granted bail.

Bello’s fresh application, approved on Thursday, led to his subsequent release.