The absence of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, from past court trials has raised many questions. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently explained the reasons for his repeated non-appearance before the Federal High Court.
Bello is facing serious charges of money laundering and criminal breach of trust. These charges stem from a staggering N80.2 billion fraud case that allegedly took place between 2016 and 2023. The former governor’s absence from several court sessions had caused delays in the trial, which is being closely followed by the public.
An Apology in Court
On December 13, 2024, Yahaya Bello’s legal team offered a formal apology on his behalf to the court for the past absences. His lawyer, J.B. Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), explained that the non-appearances were due to a procedural move, not an intentional act of disrespect toward the court.
“My lord, I am apologising on behalf of the defendant for any perceived disrespect toward the court in the past,” Daudu told the court. He clarified that the actions of the former governor’s legal team had been part of a strategy to challenge the court’s jurisdiction. This challenge had been taken all the way to the Supreme Court.
Daudu added that his client, Yahaya Bello, respects the court and intended to attend all future court sessions. He assured the court that Bello would appear for trial on all adjourned dates, except in cases of illness or death.
Yahaya Bello is accused of orchestrating a massive fraud involving N80.2 billion. According to the EFCC, Bello, along with other co-defendants, allegedly conspired to convert billions of naira that were believed to have come from criminal activities.
The specific charges include the fraudulent conversion of funds and money laundering, violations of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. The EFCC claims that the funds in question were proceeds from illegal activities, and that Bello used his position as governor to facilitate these transactions.
In addition to the large sum of money, Bello is also facing accusations related to fraudulent transactions involving foreign currency and business deals made through multiple companies between 2016 and 2023.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Bello has pleaded not guilty to all accusations.
Court Proceedings and Bail
Bello’s legal counsel argued for the former governor’s bail, praising the professionalism of the prosecution team led by Dr. Kemi Pinheiro SAN. The defence counsel requested that the court set reasonable bail conditions for Bello. Pinheiro acknowledged the smooth cooperation between both legal teams, further indicating that the prosecution was not looking to persecute the defendant but merely to ensure the rule of law.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who is overseeing the case, granted Yahaya Bello bail in the sum of N500 million. The bail conditions require Bello to provide two sureties who must also have properties within the jurisdiction of the court. Bello is also required to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar and submit his passport photographs, along with an affidavit of means.
However, before these conditions are met, Bello will remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kuje.
Reactions to the Bail Decision
Justice Nwite emphasized his impartiality in handling the case. He made it clear that he would not be influenced by either party in his ruling. However, he noted that the assurances from Bello’s counsel played a role in his decision to grant bail.
“Neither party will guide me on what to do,” said Justice Nwite. “But given the assurances by J.B. Daudu SAN, I am inclined to grant bail.”
Bello’s trial has been postponed until February 2025, with additional sessions scheduled for later in the year. These sessions will continue the legal proceedings regarding the fraud charges against the former governor.
