The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello this morning at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello faces a 19-count charge related to an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
The arraignment will take place before Justice Emeka Nwite, following a previous warrant for Bello's arrest issued by Justice Nwite on April 17 due to his repeated failure to appear in court.
Attempts by EFCC operatives to execute the arrest warrant at Bello's residence were reportedly obstructed by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who allegedly assisted in his departure.
After months of evading authorities, Bello surrendered to the EFCC last Tuesday and was subsequently brought before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday. Justice Maryanne Anenih remanded him into EFCC custody after he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Although the case was initially scheduled for January 21, 2025, the EFCC successfully requested an earlier hearing date from Justice Nwite. Alongside Bello, his nephew Ali Bello and two others, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu, will also be arraigned.
The EFCC has accused the defendants of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.
