From: FCT High Court
The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been arraigned in court over allegations of N110 billion fraud brought against him. Bello's arrival at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja marks a significant development in the case, which has been ongoing since April 2024.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Bello wanted in April 2024, but he had evaded arrest until Tuesday, when he voluntarily reported to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. After being interrogated, Bello was brought before the court on Wednesday morning.
The charges against Bello include 19 counts of money laundering, involving over N80 billion, and are also directed at his nephews—Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu. Bello had sought court protection from trial for the graft, but his plan to evade arrest and trial was finally rejected by the appeal court.
The EFCC has faced difficulties in bringing Bello to court for arraignment since the charges were filed. However, with Bello's arrival in court, the case is expected to move forward. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it involves allegations of large-scale financial mismanagement during Bello's tenure as governor.
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Judiciary