- Former Kogi Governor Faces ₦110.4bn Fraud Charges Alongside Two Others
- EFCC Accuses Defendants of Conspiracy, Criminal Breach of Trust, and Money Laundering
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This decision followed his arraignment on a 16-count charge involving alleged fraud and money laundering totaling ₦110.4 billion.
The judge adjourned the hearing of Bello’s bail application to December 10, 2024, after listening to arguments from the defense and prosecution. Bello and his co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
Details of Court Proceedings
Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, moved a motion for bail, emphasizing his client’s respect for the law, as demonstrated by his court appearance. Daudu argued that Bello, like any other defendant, is entitled to his liberty while preparing for trial, citing the presumption of innocence under Nigerian law.
However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro opposed the bail request, questioning its validity and citing the defendant’s previous absence in related court proceedings. Pinheiro further argued that the second defendant, Hudu, might commit similar offences, as he is still a serving government official.
The defense dismissed these claims, asserting that the prosecution failed to substantiate allegations of habitual offenses or any potential risks tied to granting bail.
Key Allegations Against the Defendants
According to the EFCC, Bello and his co-defendants misused public funds to acquire high-value properties, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (₦950 million)
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million)
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million)
The defendants are also accused of illicitly transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to a U.S.-based TD Bank and receiving ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Previous Cases and Adjournments
Bello, previously absent from court proceedings since April, finally appeared before Justice Anenih on Tuesday, November 26, marking his first plea in the case. He also faces another pending ₦84 billion fraud charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court directed that Bello and his co-defendants remain in EFCC custody until the bail ruling on December 10. Meanwhile, Oricha and Hudu had been granted administrative bail by the EFCC in an earlier arrangement.
The EFCC has expressed its readiness to proceed with the trial, while the defense prepares for the upcoming ruling on Bello’s bail application.
