Court Remands Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, in EFCC Custody Till December 10 Amid Fraud Trial
By Okafor Joseph Afam, November 27, 2024
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, took a dramatic turn today as the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned his case to December 10, remanding him in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The decision came after the courtroom was thrown into chaos when a group of his supporters stormed the proceedings.
During the hearing, which took place at the FCT High Court, Bello reportedly instructed his rowdy followers and aides to vacate the courtroom in a bid to restore order and ensure a smooth process. Once the court had regained composure, Justice Maryann Anenih proceeded to hear the plea of the former governor and two other co-defendants.
The case, which involves multiple charges of financial fraud, was brought before the court after the EFCC arrested Yahaya Bello in connection with alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor. He served as the governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2023.
Bello is facing a series of charges related to the mismanagement of state funds, embezzlement, and abuse of office. Among the accusations is a staggering N110 billion fraud, with new charges filed against him earlier this month. The EFCC initially pressed 19 charges against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, and two other associates, accusing them of money laundering involving over N80 billion. The most recent charges, filed on September 25, increased the total sum to more than N110 billion.
The federal government’s legal team is led by Kemi Pinheiro SAN, while Joseph Bodunde Dauda SAN represents the former governor in the ongoing trial. The Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has also dismissed bail applications from co-defendants Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, who are also implicated in the fraud case.
The case continues to attract public attention as the EFCC works to prosecute the former governor, raising questions about the alleged misuse of public funds during his time in office.
