An Abuja Federal High Court has granted bail to a former Minister of Defence, Haliru Bello Mohammed, and his son, Abba, two days after they were arraigned for alleged money laundering.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, ruled that Mr. Bello and his son deposit N300 million each, among other conditions, for their bail.
Mr. Bello is one of many famous Nigerians charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly receiving parts of the $2.1 billion allegedly diverted by the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
On Monday, he appeared in court on a wheel chair, and was later permitted to receive medical treatment at a hospital in Abuja, under police surveillance.
Justice Mohammed held that Haliru Bello and his son’s claim to ill health appeared to be true.
He noted that the first defendant, Abba Bello, was said to have bronchial asthma, while his father had an injury in the spinal cord.
“Then it will be most unfair to refuse the bail application,” the judge said.
He ruled that the first and third defendants, Abba, and Haliru Bello, respectively be granted bail on the condition that they provide N300 million and two sureties.
The first surety must be a civil servant not below level 12, while the second must have properties in Abuja worth the bail sum.
Both defendants are to submit their international passports, the court ruled.
Justice Mohammed further ruled while trying to meet their bail conditions, Abba Bello be remanded at Kuje prison, while Haliru bello should remain under the care of the Inspector General of Police in the clinic.
The court adjourned till February 16 for commencement of trial.
