The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has entered a plea of not guilty to a 19-count charge of alleged fraud amounting to ₦80 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the charges, which primarily involve allegations of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds.
Kogi: Arraignment and Court Proceedings
Bello was arraigned on Thursday before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. During the court session, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the commission’s decision to withdraw an earlier application seeking to fast-track the arraignment date. Pinheiro explained that the matter had been overtaken by events.
The defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objections to the withdrawal of the application. Justice Nwite granted the EFCC’s request and struck out the application.
Despite the charges, Bello has maintained his innocence, with his legal team describing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
Kogi: Details of the Allegations
The EFCC alleges that Yahaya Bello engaged in extensive acts of fraud and money laundering during his tenure as governor, which spanned from 2016 to 2024. The anti-graft agency accuses Bello of mismanaging public funds earmarked for developmental projects and the payment of state workers’ salaries.
Among the specific allegations are the acquisition of high-value properties using funds allegedly diverted from the Kogi State treasury. These properties include:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja – Purchased for ₦950 million.
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja – Acquired for ₦100 million.
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja – Valued at ₦920 million.
- Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – Purchased for ₦170 million.
- Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa, Dubai – Purchased for Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams (AED).
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – Acquired for ₦60 million.
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – Purchased for ₦310.4 million.
Kogi: Additional Charges
In addition to property acquisitions, the EFCC alleges that Bello transferred significant sums of money to foreign accounts. These include:
- $570,330 and $556,265 transferred to TD Bank, USA.
The EFCC also claims that Bello possessed unlawfully obtained property, including ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Next Steps
As the trial progresses, Bello’s defense team is expected to challenge the charges and argue that the case is driven by political motivations. Meanwhile, the EFCC has stated that it will present evidence to substantiate its claims.
The case represents one of the largest anti-corruption cases involving a former governor in recent times, drawing significant public and media attention.
