The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will this morning arraign the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 19-count charge of alleged misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion.
Justice Emeka Nwite who will preside over the case, had issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest in April following his repeated absence in court.
Efforts to apprehend him were reportedly thwarted by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who allegedly whisked Bello away in an official vehicle.
After months of evasion, Bello surrendered to the EFCC last Tuesday and was subsequently arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded in EFCC custody.
The EFCC also named Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, along with Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu, as co-defendants in the case, which includes charges of money laundering, breach of trust, and public fund misappropriation.
The hearing, initially slated for January 2025, was expedited at the EFCC’s request.
