A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like amount, following his involvement in an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.

The ruling, delivered on Thursday, follows an earlier denial of Bello’s bail application by Justice Maryann Anenih on December 10, which she deemed premature because the application was filed when the defendant was neither in custody nor before the court.

The judge had ruled that the application was not competent, but allowed room for Bello’s legal team to file a new bail request.

Bello faces 16 counts of money laundering, alongside two other individuals, and has pleaded not guilty.

At the resumed hearing, his counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that a fresh affidavit had been filed in response to the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

Daudu subsequently requested to withdraw the affidavit, which was granted by the court, as there was no objection from the prosecution.

Daudu also informed the court that discussions had been held with the prosecution team to ensure a swift trial.

Based on this cooperation, he requested the court to approve the bail application and to consider expanding the locations for bail sureties to include areas across the FCT, not just Maitama.

The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, acknowledged the discussions and confirmed their willingness to cooperate to expedite the trial.

Enitan, however, stated that the decision to grant or deny bail remained at the court’s discretion.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih granted Bello bail, emphasizing that the charges against him were bailable.

The court ordered the ex-governor to provide three sureties, each with landed property in key areas of the FCT, including Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.

Additionally, Bello was instructed to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court.

He is to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are fully met.

The case’s adjournment is set for January 29, with the second and third defendants, who had previously been granted bail under similar conditions, also requesting variations to their bail terms.

These requests were granted by the court, allowing for more flexible property locations.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land rights of 762 individuals and organizations in the Maitama 1 District of Abuja due to their failure to pay required fees.

Among those affected are prominent figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has also given 614 others a two-week deadline to pay their outstanding Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) fees or face similar actions.

The FCTA’s notice, issued on Wednesday, stated that the non-payment of Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees had led to the revocation of the land allocations.

The action is being carried out under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants the minister the authority to cancel land rights for non-compliance with payment or other allocation requirements.

Other notable figures affected include Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, former governors Rochas Okorocha and Ben Ayade, and current lawmakers such as Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen.

Wike, who took office in August 2023, has been adamant about enforcing discipline and transparency in land allocation.

He previously revoked 165 plots in September, including those linked to high-profile figures like Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, citing their failure to develop the land.

In his remarks, Wike acknowledged that his decisions might not be popular with all, especially the elite, but stressed the importance of prioritizing the public good and restoring accountability in land administration.

The ongoing demolition exercise in Abuja has sparked widespread protests, with victims claiming it is worsening their hardships.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed that more than 20,432 structures were demolished in 2024.

Tpl. Mukhtar Usman Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, announced the figures at an award event for staff, explaining that the demolitions were aimed at preserving the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

However, many residents affected by the demolitions have condemned the move, describing it as poorly timed and harsh.

The administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has focused heavily on generating revenue through land administration, with a particular emphasis on collecting ground rents and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees.

Wike’s administration has also revoked land titles and demolished structures deemed to have been built illegally, or by landowners who failed to develop their properties within the designated time frame.

Two months ago, the FCTA demolished 50 duplexes and bungalows in Sabon Lugbe, which it claimed were unlawfully constructed by land grabbers without proper approval.

However, property developers and part-owners in the area accused the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) of trying to seize their land for redesigning purposes.

Engr. Isaac Omolua, chairman of the Home Builders Association of Nigeria (HBAN), alleged that the FCDA had been intimidating property owners, even vandalizing their properties.

Azuka Biose, a resident of Centenary City, also raised concerns, claiming that the land had initially been marked for public use but later turned out to be privately owned by one individual.

He lamented that after 14 years, residents had not received any compensation or clear plans for the development of the area.

Further complaints arose from residents of the demolished Ruga settlement, who expressed that the FCTA’s actions lacked empathy. Some of the displaced residents said life had become increasingly difficult since the demolitions.

One such resident, Nuaziru Alkali, recalled that the FCT Minister had promised to engage with their representative when visiting the site, but no action had been taken since then.

Protests recently broke out as displaced residents called for accountability from Minister Wike, accusing his task force, “Operation Sweep,” of using excessive force, leaving many people homeless.

The FCTA also halted illegal developments at Apo Zone E, Gudu District, with Mukhtar Galadima warning that allowing unapproved buildings would lead to erosion and flooding in the area.

A separate incident reported that two Hilux vehicles belonging to the FCTA’s Development Control Department were seized by soldiers while attempting to demolish structures in Lugbe.

The vehicles were later driven to a general’s house, and some of the department’s staff were reportedly held hostage by the soldiers.

However, Galadima claimed he had not been briefed on the matter.

In response to growing opposition, leaders from the native communities of the FCT have threatened to mobilize residents and invoke ancestral powers against any official misusing their authority.

They voiced concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the FCT ministers, calling it undemocratic.

Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, a representative of the natives, criticized the governance system in the FCT, claiming it lacked democratic representation and accountability.

Legal experts also weighed in, stressing that the government could not seize land without overriding public interest and must follow legal procedures, including giving adequate notice and providing compensation.

While the demolitions continue, Minister Wike has vowed not to be deterred by pressure, including a recent Senate order to halt the demolitions.

During a ceremony to distribute operational vehicles to security agencies, Wike reinforced his stance, claiming that the structures being demolished were built illegally on government land and that he was committed to cracking down on land grabbers.

A shocking incident has occurred in the Yimi community, located in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, where a woman, Mrs. Gladys Mani, reportedly struck her husband on the head with a stone before fleeing their home, leaving their two-month-old baby behind.

The attack allegedly stemmed from accusations of infidelity.

Mr. Mani Isaiah, the 64-year-old husband, shared the details of the event with Abuja Metro at the community health center on Wednesday.

He explained that the attack followed repeated allegations from his wife accusing him of having extramarital affairs whenever he returned home.

“It’s not the first time she has accused me of being unfaithful. At my age, why would I do such a thing? I remember a time when she even threatened to abort our baby, but I stopped her,” he said.

A retired police officer, Mr. Isaiah expressed his frustration, saying his wife’s unfounded accusations had caused ongoing tension in their marriage.

After the violent confrontation, he found himself not only physically injured but also facing the heartbreak of his wife’s sudden disappearance, leaving their infant child behind.

Isaiah, who is originally from Zuru in Kebbi State, revealed that he has no relatives in the area to help care for the baby.

As a result, he reported the incident to the district head of Yimi community, seeking assistance in finding a temporary guardian for the child.

“I’ve reported the matter to the district head, and he is trying to help me find a solution. Since I have no family members around here, I may have to take my baby to an orphanage if she doesn’t return,” he said.

A local resident, Samaila Yakubu, confirmed that the district head had also informed the police, hoping they could assist in locating Mrs. Mani.

When contacted for comment, SP Adeh Josephine, the spokesperson for the FCT police command, could not be reached regarding the incident.