Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to a new 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello, currently in custody at Kuje prison, is accused of involvement in an N80.2 billion fraud during his tenure from 2016 to 2024.
Key Allegations Against Yahaya Bello
The EFCC alleges that Bello utilized five proxies to purchase luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai using funds sourced illegally. The anti-corruption agency further accused him of attempting to conceal over N3 billion through his associates.
In addition, Bello is charged with transferring $700,000 to a U.S.-based account, a violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act. The EFCC claims that this act constitutes a breach of public trust, punishable under Sections 18(a) and (c), and Section 15 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
Other individuals implicated in the case include Ali Bello (the former governor’s nephew), Dauda Suleiman, Shehu Bello, Rabiu Musa, and Abdulsalam Hudu, who is reportedly at large.
Bail Plea and Legal Defense
Bello’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) J.B. Daudu, urged the court to grant him bail, assuring that he would not flee the country. Daudu emphasized Bello’s history as a two-term governor who traveled only twice during his tenure, portraying him as a law-abiding citizen.
In his defense, Bello explained his earlier absence from court, stating it was due to legal measures to challenge the court’s jurisdiction over the case. “It was not an act of disrespect but a legal approach to defend myself,” Bello said.
EFCC’s Stance on Bail Request
The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, expressed no objection to the bail request but recommended strict conditions to ensure Bello’s attendance throughout the trial.
Previous Charges
This latest case follows a separate 16-count charge, for which Justice Maryann Anenih of an Abuja High Court had remanded Bello to Kuje prison.
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Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello pleads not guilty to EFCC’s 19-count fraud charge, with allegations of N80.2 billion fraud and money laundering.
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[…] Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Denies Allegations in Fresh 19-Count EFCC Case […]
[…] The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, bail worth ₦500 million. This decision, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday, comes with strict conditions. […]