Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor, appeared in the FCT High Court on Wednesday with co-defendants Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu. They are facing charges related to an alleged N110.4 billion fraud before the court in Maitama. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused the trio of money laundering, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
Charges Read in Court
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih, where they were presented with a 16-count charge. The EFCC accuses Bello and his co-defendants of misappropriating state funds to purchase high-value properties in Abuja. The accused allegedly used illicit funds to acquire properties, including those on Danube Street and Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street. The EFCC claims that Bello and his associates transferred large sums of money internationally and acquired real estate worth millions.
Bello Pleads Not Guilty
After the charges were read, Yahaya Bello, the first defendant, denied all the allegations. His defense lawyer, Joseph Daudu, submitted a bail application, arguing that Bello had respected the law by appearing in court despite prior delays in his arraignment. The defense claimed that Bello was entitled to bail, emphasizing that he should not be presumed guilty without trial.
EFCC Opposes Bail Application
The EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the bail application, arguing that it had already expired as of October. Daudu argued that Bello’s November bail motion remained valid, supported by a public summons confirming his commitment to trial. The court also addressed pending charges against Bello at the Federal High Court involving an alleged N84 billion fraud. Daudu emphasized that the new bail motion, filed in November, should take precedence over previous legal matters.
Trial Postponed for Preparation
While the EFCC sought an immediate start to the trial, intending to call its first witness, Bello’s legal team requested more time to prepare. They argued that they had only received the charges a day before the court session, making it impossible to adequately prepare for the case. The court granted some time for the defense to organize its case.
Co-defendants Granted Bail
Meanwhile, the two other defendants, Oricha and Hudu, had already been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. Despite this, the court proceedings continued, with the EFCC pushing for the trial to commence as soon as possible. The next court date is expected to see further legal arguments and preparations for the case.
This high-profile case, which involves significant allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, continues to attract public attention. It remains to be seen how the trial will unfold as it progresses through the Nigerian judicial system.
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