Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged misappropriation of ₦110 billion.
The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama on Thursday.
The former governor appeared in court following his surrender to the EFCC on Tuesday after weeks of avoiding arrest. Bello, flanked by armed EFCC operatives, was arraigned alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, before Justice Maryann Anenih.
The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and the unlawful acquisition of properties allegedly purchased with stolen state funds. The EFCC claims Bello diverted public funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, Dubai, and the United States, including a mansion in Maitama worth ₦950 million and a luxury apartment in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa valued at over 5.6 million dirhams.
Bello’s legal team has expressed confidence in his innocence and is prepared to challenge the charges in court. Justice Anenih is expected to set a date for further hearings as the trial progresses.
The case has drawn widespread attention as it underscores the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption and hold public officials accountable.
