In a recent development, the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, along with two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This case was heard by Justice Maryann Anenih in a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama.
The charges, which include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property, stem from allegations of involvement in a fraudulent scheme involving approximately N110 billion. Following a period during which Bello’s whereabouts were unknown, he ultimately surrendered to the EFCC just before the court appearance.
The EFCC has accused Bello of misappropriating state funds to purchase several properties, including high-value real estate in Abuja and even an overseas property in Dubai. Specific allegations include misuse of public funds to acquire assets totaling hundreds of millions of naira and significant foreign currency transactions amounting to over a million dollars.
The trial marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to hold public officials accountable for corruption and misuse of government resources. The defendants will now face legal proceedings as the court examines the merits of the charges against them.
