The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated new legal proceedings against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing him of involvement in a fraud scheme totaling approximately N110 billion.
This is from previous allegations, as the EFCC had earlier filed 19 charges against Bello and several associates, including his nephew Ali Bello and others, for money laundering offenses amounting to over N80 billion.
In a recent filing dated September 25, the EFCC presented 16 additional charges that collectively raise the alleged amount involved in these money laundering activities to N110,446,470,089.00. The defendants listed in these charges include Yahaya Bello, Umar Oricha, and Abdulsalam Hudu.
The EFCC claims that the accused misappropriated funds by purchasing 12 properties in various locations across Abuja.
Specific allegations include the unlawful use of N950 million from the state treasury for acquiring a property at No. 35 Danube Street in Maitama District, Abuja, as well as other significant real estate transactions made under similar circumstances.
The commission cited violations of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria, specifically referencing Section 311 and its corresponding penalties under Section 312.
The charges detail multiple instances where the defendants allegedly diverted substantial sums from state funds for personal gain, including transactions involving properties valued at hundreds of millions of naira.
Additionally, the EFCC has accused the defendants of transferring large sums of money internationally, including two separate transfers totaling over $1 million to an account in the United States.
