The Traffic

Kogi’s N110 Billion Scandal: Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Arraigned and Remanded by EFCC

By Achimi Muktar

ABUJA — In a dramatic turn of events, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over allegations of a staggering N110 billion fraud. The trial, which has gripped national attention, saw Bello and two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, remanded in EFCC custody by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

The Charges

The EFCC alleges that Bello, who served as governor from 2016 to 2024, misappropriated state funds to acquire multiple properties across Abuja and even in Dubai. The properties include:

No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million)

No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million)

Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5.7 million)

The former governor and his associates are also accused of transferring significant funds to foreign accounts, including $570,330 to TD Bank, USA.

The charge sheet, marked CR/7781, outlines conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

Bail Drama in Court

Bello, alongside his co-defendants, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Represented by former Nigerian Bar Association President Joseph Daudu (SAN), Bello applied for bail, arguing that he was entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

“My client came to court voluntarily in response to the summons and deserves the opportunity to prepare his defense,” Daudu argued.

However, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the bail request, citing Bello’s history of evading trial. Pinheiro stated:

“Several attempts to bring him before the court in another case at the Federal High Court in Abuja failed. Allowing him bail now risks further delays in justice.”

Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter to December 10 to rule on the bail applications, leaving the defendants in EFCC custody.

Prosecution Seeks Swift Trial

The EFCC, armed with witnesses ready to testify, pushed for immediate commencement of the trial, but this was contested by Bello’s legal team. The prosecution emphasized that the bail application filed by Bello was premature, as it predated the court’s jurisdiction, which was only assumed after the arraignment.

Public Reaction and Political Implications

The case has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Murtala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) candidate in the recent Kogi gubernatorial election, praised the EFCC’s efforts.

“This is a critical step towards accountability and justice for the people of Kogi State,” Ajaka stated, offering to provide evidence to aid the prosecution. He urged the EFCC to ensure a thorough investigation to uncover irrefutable evidence.

What’s Next?

As the trial begins, the stakes are high for Bello, whose administration has come under fire for alleged financial impropriety. If convicted, the case could set a precedent for holding public officials accountable, a move many believe is long overdue in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

For now, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the FCT High Court, as December 10 promises to be another pivotal moment in this unfolding saga.