Nigerian anti-graft agency the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is scheduled to arraign the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, this morning being November 27th at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello will face trial before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 19-count indictment related to an alleged fraud amounting to N80.2 billion.
It is important to note that on April 17, Justice Nwite issued an arrest warrant for the former governor due to his repeated absences from court for his arraignment.
Attempts by EFCC operatives to enforce the arrest warrant at Bello’s residence in Abuja were reportedly obstructed by the current governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, who allegedly assisted in his escape using an official vehicle.
After several months of evasion, Bello voluntarily surrendered to the anti-graft agency last Tuesday, leading to his appearance before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday.
left to right. Usman Ododo the current governor of Kogi State and Yahaya Bello in one of their appearance at the EFCC Headquarter in Abuja Nigeria .
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court ordered that he be remanded in the custody of the EFCC following his plea of not guilty.
Although the case at the Federal High Court was initially set for January 21, 2025, the EFCC successfully requested that Justice Nwite expedite the proceedings.
Arica24hrs learnt that in addition to the former governor, his nephew, Ali Bello, along with two others—Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu—are also set to be arraigned. The EFCC has accused the defendants of engaging in money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.
