Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to an 18-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The charges include allegations of money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and the misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N80.2 billion.
Upon the reading of the charges, Bello firmly stated his plea of not guilty to each count.
During the hearing, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw a previously filed application seeking to expedite the arraignment.
Pinheiro explained that the application was no longer relevant due to recent developments.
Counsel for the defendant, Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objection to the withdrawal. Following this, Justice Nwite granted the prosecution’s request.
