Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The charges against him include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
EFCC Accuses Bello of Misusing State Funds
The EFCC alleges that Bello, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, misappropriated over N110 billion from the Kogi State treasury.
According to the EFCC, Bello used state funds to acquire several high-value properties in Abuja and Dubai.
Among the properties listed are:
- A property on Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, worth N950 million.
- A building in Gwarimpa II District, Abuja, valued at N100 million.
- A mansion on Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja, worth N920 million.
The anti-graft agency also mentioned properties on Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, and a luxury apartment in the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai.
Additionally, the EFCC accused the defendants of transferring large sums of money to bank accounts in the United States.
Bello Surrenders After Eluding Arrest
Bello’s court appearance marked the end of a prolonged standoff with the EFCC.
His whereabouts had been unknown for weeks as the agency tried to apprehend him.
On Wednesday morning, Bello surrendered himself and was promptly taken to court.
Dressed in a white caftan and a blue cap, he entered the dock around 9:45 am.
A High-Stakes Legal Battle
The charges, filed under case number CR/7781, paint a picture of extensive financial wrongdoing.
The EFCC claims that Bello and his co-defendants used shell companies and complex financial maneuvers to hide stolen funds.
One of the charges involves the transfer of $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States.
Another charge accuses them of possessing N677.8 million through Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The EFCC insists that the funds were laundered and used for personal enrichment.
Bello Pleads Not Guilty
In court, Bello firmly denied all the charges.
His defense team, led by a senior advocate, argued that the charges were politically motivated.
Bello’s lawyer described the case as “a witch-hunt designed to tarnish the image of a respected politician.”
“We will prove his innocence in court,” the lawyer added.
A Case That Grips the Nation
Bello’s trial is already capturing national attention.
As a former governor, his case represents a significant test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Many Nigerians are watching closely to see if the EFCC can secure a conviction.
Public Reactions
Public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing shock at the scale of the alleged fraud.
Others, however, believe Bello is being targeted for political reasons.
“This is a defining moment in the fight against corruption,” a public affairs analyst noted.
“If proven guilty, it will send a strong message to those misusing public funds.”
What’s Next?
The trial has been adjourned to a later date to allow both sides to prepare their cases.
If convicted, Bello and his co-defendants could face lengthy prison sentences and the forfeiture of their assets.
For now, the former governor remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
