The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, entered a plea of not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The, court however, directed that he and his co-defendants remain under EFCC custody until the determination of their bail applications.
The former governor, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama.
The EFCC accused the trio of complicity in an alleged N110 billion fraud involving funds from the Kogi State treasury.
Dressed in a white caftan and blue cap, Bello arrived in court and mounted the dock at 9:45 a.m. to hear the charges leveled against him. The charges, listed under case number CR/7781, include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property.
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The EFCC alleged that Bello used public funds to acquire several high-value properties across Nigeria and abroad. The properties include:
No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million), No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million), Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), Block 18 Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million) and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million)
Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Bello acquired a luxury property in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa worth 5.7 million Dirhams. He was also accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the USA and receiving N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The EFCC highlighted that Bello’s appearance in court followed an extended period during which his whereabouts were unknown. He reportedly surrendered to the agency after months of evading arrest.
EFCC prosecutors maintain that the funds in question were misappropriated during Bello’s tenure as Kogi State governor. “The defendants are accused of diverting public funds for personal enrichment, violating the public trust, and undermining the financial integrity of the state,” the EFCC stated.
Bello and his co-defendants firmly denied all charges. Justice Anenih adjourned the case for trial and directed that the defendants remain under EFCC custody until the determination of their bail applications.
The trial is expected to draw significant public attention as it unfolds, shedding light on the allegations of mismanagement and corruption involving the former governor and his associates.
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