The immediate former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has made a significant appearance at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to face charges related to an alleged N110 billion fraud.
This marks his first public appearance in court following a lengthy period of legal proceedings.
Bello, who was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2024, reported to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, November 26.
During his visit, he was interrogated by EFCC officials before being taken to court the following morning for the hearing.
The charges against Bello stem from a series of money laundering offences allegedly committed during his tenure as governor. Initially, the EFCC filed 19 charges, with the total amount of money involved exceeding N80 billion. However, the charges were later amended to 16 counts, with the sum now reportedly exceeding N110 billion.
Bello, alongside his nephews—Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu—faces allegations of using illicit funds to acquire multiple properties in Abuja, among other financial crimes.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, the EFCC had struggled to bring the former governor to court until this recent development.
Since the charges were filed, the EFCC has faced numerous challenges in apprehending Bello for arraignment. Efforts to arrest him were obstructed on multiple occasions, with claims that his successor, Usman Ododo, facilitated his escape from EFCC operatives during a raid on his residence earlier in the year.
Bello’s appearance in court is a key moment in the ongoing legal battle, with many closely watching how the case unfolds.
As the hearing continues, the former governor faces the prospect of a lengthy trial, which could have significant implications for both his political future and the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.
