Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to a serious 16-count charge laid against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges relate to an alleged involvement in a massive fraud scheme totaling N110 billion.
Bello, who appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, is facing accusations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained assets. He stood in the dock with two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, as the charges were read out against them.
The former governor, who had been elusive for a long period, finally surrendered to authorities on the same day of the court hearing. His whereabouts had been unknown for some time, causing tension between him and the EFCC as they pursued him for questioning.
Dressed in a white caftan and a blue cap, Bello appeared calm as he mounted the dock at approximately 9:45 AM. The charges presented to the court detail how Bello allegedly used state funds to acquire multiple high-value properties across Abuja, including luxurious real estate and overseas assets.
Among the properties are several high-priced buildings in Abuja, such as No. 35 Danube Street in Maitama, valued at N950 million, and No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03 in Gwarimpa, which is worth N100 million. Bello is also accused of owning a hotel apartment in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, as well as several other prime properties in the Nigerian capital.
In addition to these properties, the defendants are accused of transferring large sums of money abroad, including over $1 million to TD Bank in the USA. They are also alleged to have possession of N677.8 million obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
