The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, arrived at the High Court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Wednesday morning under heavy security presence. Bello, who arrived at approximately 8:50 am, is set to face charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure.
The EFCC had confirmed Bello’s arrest on Tuesday afternoon, revealing that he was taken into custody at around 12:54 pm, contrary to claims of voluntary submission. The former governor spent the night in detention at the EFCC facility in Abuja, where he was reportedly being interrogated over allegations of mismanagement of state funds, embezzlement, and abuse of office during his administration from 2016 to 2023.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The EFCC had previously filed 19 charges against Yahaya Bello, alongside his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for alleged money laundering offenses amounting to ₦80.2 billion. In a fresh set of charges dated September 25, 2024, the total sum involved escalated to ₦110.4 billion.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court recently dismissed oral bail applications for Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, co-defendants in the case, signaling the intensity of the legal scrutiny surrounding this high-profile trial.
Allegations of Fraud
The EFCC has alleged that the former governor orchestrated a network of financial mismanagement schemes, including money laundering and the diversion of public funds. These actions, according to investigators, severely impacted the state’s finances during his tenure.
Security Tightened
In light of the high stakes of the trial, security at the court premises was significantly heightened, with armed personnel stationed at strategic points. The measures reflect the sensitive nature of the case, which has drawn national attention.
As proceedings unfold, all eyes remain on the court as Yahaya Bello confronts serious charges that could redefine his legacy and have significant political and legal implications.