Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, faces ₦110 billion fraud charges as the EFCC presents its first witness in court. Read the full details of the corruption trial. Introduction The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged ₦110 billion fraud has taken a new turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first witness in court. Justice Maryann Anenih dismissed objections raised by Bello and his co-defendants, paving the way for the trial to proceed. EFCC’s First Witness Testifies in Court On Wednesday, the EFCC brought forward its first witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, to testify in the 16-count money laundering charge against the former governor. Despite objections from the defense counsel, who argued that the prosecution had failed to provide all necessary evidence, Justice Anenih ruled that the trial should continue, citing the absence of a formal application to support the objection. Property Sale and EFCC Investigation During his testimony, Nwaora, the owner of EFAB Property, revealed details of a real estate transaction linked to the case. According to him, in 2020, his company sold a property at No. 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to Shehu Bello for ₦550 million. However, in 2023, Shehu Bello returned all documents related to the property, informing the company that the EFCC had launched an investigation. Subsequently, Nwaora was summoned by the anti-graft agency and was instructed to refund the money to an account designated by the EFCC. Allegations Against Yahaya Bello and Co-Defendants Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is standing trial alongside two government officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The charge sheet (CR/7781) accuses them of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and illegal acquisition of properties. List of Allegedly Illicit Properties The EFCC alleges that the former governor diverted state funds to acquire multiple high-value properties, including: Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Bello and his associates transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States. They are also accused of illegally acquiring ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited. Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions Following his arraignment, Yahaya Bello was remanded in Kuje Prison on December 10, 2024. However, while his co-defendants were granted bail earlier, he was later admitted to bail under the following conditions: The case has been adjourned until April 3, 2025, for further hearings. Conclusion The EFCC’s case against Yahaya Bello is one of Nigeria’s most significant corruption trials in recent times. As proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the court’s next decision regarding the former governor’s fate. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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. Meta Description 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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is set to spend Christmas, New Year, and up to 50 nights in detention after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja denied his bail application. The court, presided over by Judge Maryanne Anenih, ordered that Mr. Bello be transferred from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Kuje Correctional Centre. Court Ruling on Bail Judge Anenih rejected Mr. Bello’s bail application on procedural grounds, declaring it premature and incompetent. The application, filed on 22 November, predated Mr. Bello’s 26 November arrest and 27 November arraignment, making it invalid. While the court denied Mr. Bello’s bail, it granted bail to his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, under strict conditions. Both men must provide sureties with property worth N300 million within the court’s jurisdiction. The trial is scheduled to commence on 29 January 2025, with additional sessions set for 25 and 27 February 2025. Next Steps for Yahaya Bello Mr. Bello has the option to file a fresh bail application, though time constraints pose significant challenges. With the court entering its Christmas vacation next week, it will be difficult to secure a hearing and ruling before the break. Alternatively, he could approach the court’s vacation judge, provided he can demonstrate an urgent and extraordinary need for bail consideration. Should these efforts fail, Mr. Bello will remain in detention throughout the festive period and until the trial resumes in late January. The Allegations Against Bello Mr. Bello and his co-defendants face 16 charges related to the alleged diversion of ₦110 billion from Kogi State’s treasury during his tenure as governor. The EFCC, which arrested Mr. Bello after months of evading summons, brought the case to court, where he pleaded not guilty. In addition to the current charges, Mr. Bello is entangled in a separate case involving ₦80 billion in alleged money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
