The former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The trio is accused of involvement in a N110 billion fraud case.
Bello’s whereabouts had reportedly been unknown until his surrender to the EFCC, following a prolonged standoff. He appeared in court at around 9:45 am, dressed in a white caftan and blue cap, to face charges marked CR/7781. The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
The EFCC alleges that Bello misappropriated state funds to acquire multiple properties, including:
No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million)
No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million)
No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million)
Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million)
Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5.7 million)
Block 18 Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million)
No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
Additionally, the defendants are accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the USA and of unlawfully receiving N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The trial continues as the court examines the allegations against the former governor and his co-defendants.
