The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that it will arraign the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello faces a 19-count charge related to an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
The case will be heard by Justice Emeka Nwite, who had previously issued an arrest warrant for Bello on April 17 after he repeatedly failed to appear for his arraignment.
EFCC operatives’ attempts to execute the warrant at Bello’s Abuja residence were reportedly blocked by Kogi State’s current Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who allegedly helped Bello evade arrest by taking him away in his official vehicle.
After several months of evading authorities, Bello surrendered to the EFCC last Tuesday and was subsequently arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday. Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court remanded him in EFCC custody after he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Although the case at the Federal High Court was initially set for January 21, 2025, the EFCC successfully persuaded Justice Nwite to expedite the proceedings. Alongside Bello, his nephew, Ali Bello, and two others, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu, will also be arraigned.
The EFCC has accused the defendants of money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of public funds.
