Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged N110 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Bello was arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
The charges, marked CR/7781, accuse the trio of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful acquisition of property. Dressed in a white kaftan and blue cap, Bello maintained his innocence as the allegations were read in court.
The EFCC alleges that Bello misappropriated state funds during his tenure to acquire high-value properties, including a mansion at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja, valued at N950 million, and another at No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja, worth N100 million. Additional properties linked to the funds include:No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million), Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5.7 million Dirhams), Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
The prosecution further alleged that funds were illicitly transferred to TD Bank in the United States, amounting to $570,330 and $556,265. Other allegations include the possession of unlawfully obtained property, such as N677.8 million linked to Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
During the previous hearing on November 14, the EFCC sought an adjournment, citing the need to ensure compliance with a 30-day summons for the defendants to appear in court. While the EFCC granted administrative bail to Oricha and Hudu, it requested more time for Bello’s arraignment.
The EFCC’s prosecuting counsel argued that the charges were backed by substantial evidence. “We have evidence linking the first defendant to the diversion of funds meant for Kogi State, which were used to acquire properties in Abuja and abroad,” the counsel said.
In his defense, Bello’s legal team dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. “The former governor has consistently maintained his innocence and looks forward to clearing his name in court,” his counsel stated.
Justice Anenih adjourned the case for further proceedings while granting the prosecution time to present its case.
