Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged N110 billion fraud preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello is at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for the hearing on alleged N110 billion fraud preferred against him.
He appeared at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, accompanied by his co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The trio is accused of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to commit an offense to the tune of N110.4 billion.
The EFCC had filed the charges against Bello and his co-defendants on September 24, 2024. However, Bello failed to appear in court for his arraignment, prompting the court to issue a public summons against him.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had ordered that the charges be served on Bello through substituted means, including publication in widely circulated national newspapers and posting within the premises of the court.
Bello’s plea of not guilty marks the beginning of his trial, which is expected to be closely watched given the high-profile nature of the case.
The EFCC has been investigating Bello’s administration for alleged financial impropriety, and this case is seen as a significant test of the agency’s ability to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
In addition to this case, Bello is also facing an 18-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), alleges that Bello, while serving as Governor of Kogi State, conspired with his co-defendants to misappropriate state funds totaling N110.4 billion.
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants include:
- Conspiracy to commit an offense contrary to Section 26(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.
- Criminal breach of trust contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja), 2004.
- Abuse of office contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000.
Bello’s defense team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), has maintained that the charges against their client are baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement, Daudu said, “We are confident that our client will be vindicated at the end of the trial. The charges against him are nothing but a witch-hunt.”
The trial has been adjourned to a later date to allow for the prosecution to present its witnesses and evidence.
As the trial unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the case against Bello and his co-defendants plays out. Will justice be served, or will the case be another example of the challenges in holding public officials accountable for their actions?
