AFTER COURT’s Decision To Grant Yahaya Bello N500m Bail, Omoyele Sowore Drops Unexpected Bombshell, See Details
On Friday, activist politician Omoyele Sowore described Nigeria as a ” paradise for thieves” after former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was granted bail in a Federal High Court in Abuja. Sowore’ s comment came in reaction to the events in the courtroom, where Bello was allowed to pay a bail bond of N500 million, with two sureties, each required to provide a similar amount. Bello had pleaded not guilty to 19 charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including an accusation of money laundering involving a staggering N80 billion.
The case had attracted significant attention, and when the court hearing began, EFCC’ s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, informed the judge that the prosecution intended to withdraw an earlier request to shorten the time set for Bello’ s arraignment. The judge accepted the withdrawal, as it was no longer necessary due to changes in the case. Bello’ s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, did not object to this decision, and Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request. After the proceedings, Daudu took the opportunity to explain why he had not been present at earlier hearings. Following these clarifications, Justice Nwite decided to grant Bello bail.
This decision drew criticism from Sowore, who expressed disappointment over the way the situation was handled. He pointed out that in the courtroom, Bello seemed to be treated like a hero, despite the serious charges against him. Sowore’ s remark highlighted his frustration with what he sees as the lenient treatment of influential figures accused of corruption in Nigeria. He said: ” 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. ”
It would be recalled that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is facing serious legal challenges as he stands trial for charges of money laundering and other financial crimes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him of being involved in a massive N80 billion money laundering scheme during his tenure as governor. These charges are part of a broader investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving public funds. The case has drawn significant attention, not only because of the serious nature of the allegations but also due to Bello’ s high- profile status in Nigerian politics.
Despite the gravity of the charges, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. At his arraignment in the Federal High Court in Abuja, he pleaded not guilty to the 19- count charge brought against him by the EFCC, insisting that he was innocent and had not committed any financial crimes. The legal process surrounding Bello’ s case has seen several developments. During one of the hearings, the EFCC’ s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, informed the court that the prosecution wished to withdraw an earlier request to alter the date for Bello’ s arraignment, as new circumstances had made the request irrelevant.
This move was not opposed by Bello’ s defense lawyer, Joseph Daudu, and the judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the request without any objections. Bello’ s defense team has sought to delay proceedings on several occasions, citing various reasons for their absence at earlier hearings, but the court has pressed ahead with the case. In one significant moment, after the former governor had taken his plea, Daudu made a public explanation as to why he was not present in court for previous hearings, attempting to clarify his client’ s situation. Perhaps the most controversial moment came when the judge granted Bello bail, setting the sum at N500 million, with two sureties required to provide the same amount.
Many observers, including activist Omoyele Sowore, expressed frustration at the leniency of the bail decision, particularly considering the scale of the financial crimes he is accused of. Sowore condemned the decision, remarking that Bello was treated like a ” hero” in the courtroom despite the serious charges against him, suggesting that influential figures in Nigeria can often escape the full weight of justice. The ongoing case against Bello highlights broader concerns about corruption and the treatment of powerful political figures within Nigeria’ s legal system. Critics argue that influential individuals, especially politicians with deep connections.
