Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Pleads Not Guilty To N80 Billion Fraud Charges
Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations of N80.2 billion fraud leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The 19-count charge, which includes alleged money laundering and misuse of public funds, was brought before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During the court session on Wednesday, December 13, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the withdrawal of an earlier application seeking to reschedule Bello’s arraignment. The withdrawal, described as “overtaken by events,” was granted without objection from Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN.
Bello, who was brought to the court from Kuje prison, denied all allegations of complicity in the alleged fraud. The EFCC accuses him of using five proxies to acquire high-value properties in upscale areas of Abuja and Dubai, all purportedly funded with proceeds of crime.
The anti-graft agency further alleges that Bello attempted to conceal over N3 billion by handing the funds to proxies and wired more than $700,000 into a U.S.-based bank account in violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
Others implicated in the case include Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, and four co-defendants: Dauda Suleiman, Shehu Bello, Rabiu Musa, and Abdulsalam Hudu, the latter of whom remains at large. The EFCC claims the accused committed a breach of public trust, violating sections 18(a) and (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, punishable under section 15 of the same Act.
Bello, who served as Kogi State governor from 2016 to 2024, faces serious allegations tied to the mismanagement of state funds during his tenure. The trial continues as the court determines the validity of the charges and the defense’s counterarguments.
