The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case was heard before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. Bello appeared alongside two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, accused of involvement in a N110 billion fraud.
Bello, whose location had been uncertain until recently, surrendered to the EFCC after an extended period of evasion. Dressed in a white caftan and blue cap, he entered the dock around 9:45 a.m. to respond to the charges.
The charges, filed under case number CR/7781, encompass conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The EFCC alleged that Bello misappropriated state funds to acquire several high-value properties, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja: N950 million
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, 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 Community, Burj Khalifa, Dubai: AED 5,698,888 (approximately N1.2 billion)
- 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 defendants of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States and possessing N677.8 million obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Bello’s trial marks a significant move in the fight against corruption, as the EFCC continues to target high-profile cases involving public funds. The court proceedings are expected to shed light on the alleged misuse of funds during his tenure as Kogi State governor.
