The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged N110 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja, alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
The charges against the trio include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The EFCC alleges that Bello misused state funds to acquire several high-value properties, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million).
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja (N100 million).
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).
- Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million).
- Hotel Apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5,698,888).
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million).
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
Additionally, the EFCC accused the former governor of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and unlawfully receiving N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Bello, who had evaded the EFCC for weeks before surrendering himself on Tuesday, appeared in court dressed in a white caftan and blue cap. He entered his plea around 9:45 am.
The court has adjourned proceedings for further hearing, as Bello and his co-defendants face trial for alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.
