The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Appearing before Justice Maryann Anenih at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Bello, alongside his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, denied allegations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property.
The EFCC accuses the trio of diverting N110 billion from the Kogi State treasury during Bello’s tenure as governor. The agency alleges that Bello used the funds to acquire multiple high-value properties across Nigeria and abroad, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (₦950 million)
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million)
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million)
- Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million)
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦60 million)
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦310.4 million)
Additionally, the EFCC claims Bello purchased a luxury property in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa worth 5.7 million Dirhams. He is also accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States and receiving ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Dressed in a white caftan and blue cap, Bello arrived in court at 9:45 a.m. The charges, listed under case number CR/7781, were read to him, and he entered a plea of not guilty.
The court directed that Bello and his co-defendants remain in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail applications.
The EFCC accused Bello of violating public trust by allegedly diverting public funds for personal gain. Prosecutors stated that his alleged actions undermined the financial stability of Kogi State.
“This case is about accountability. The defendants are accused of diverting public funds for personal enrichment, violating public trust, and undermining the financial integrity of the state,” the EFCC said in court.
Bello’s court appearance follows months of evading arrest. He reportedly surrendered to the EFCC after being declared wanted.
Justice Anenih adjourned the case, signaling the start of what is expected to be a closely-watched trial.
