The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of alleged fraud totaling N80.2 billion.
The arraignment, scheduled for this morning before Justice Emeka Nwite, includes a 19-count charge involving allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds. Alongside Bello, three other individuals—his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu—will also face charges.
Justice Nwite had previously issued an arrest warrant for the ex-governor on April 17, after his repeated absence from court proceedings. Attempts to execute the warrant were reportedly obstructed by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who allegedly facilitated Bello’s escape using an official vehicle.
After months of evasion, Bello voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC last Tuesday. In a related case, he appeared before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court and pleaded not guilty, leading to his remand in EFCC custody.
Initially adjourned to January 21, 2025, the Federal High Court case was fast-tracked at the EFCC’s request. The high-profile trial underscores growing scrutiny over financial mismanagement and corruption among political elites in Nigeria.