From Victor Osula, Abuja
Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday on a fresh 19-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and misappropriation of public funds totaling ₦80.2 billion.
The arraignment, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, followed allegations by the EFCC that Bello laundered funds, breached public trust, and used proxies to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and Dubai with proceeds of crime.
The anti-graft agency accused Bello of wiring over $700,000 to a U.S. bank account in contravention of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act. It added that his actions violated sections 18(a) and (c) of the Act and are punishable under section 15.
The EFCC also claimed that Bello used five proxies to purchase the properties and that his actions constituted a criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds during his tenure as governor.
Justice Nwite had issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest on April 17, citing the former governor’s repeated failure to appear in court. The EFCC subsequently declared him wanted in April 2024.
Following months of legal maneuvers to evade prosecution, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 27.
He was detained and arraigned on earlier charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property.
Earlier this week, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court remanded Bello at Kuje Correctional Centre after rejecting his bail application on a related case.
Appearing before Justice Nwite, Bello pleaded not guilty to the fresh 19-count charge. Through his lead counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), Bello apologised for his earlier absence in court, attributing it to his legal team’s attempts to challenge the court’s jurisdiction.
“What transpired then was an episode that could have been avoided. It has come and passed. My client acted in good faith, believing he was defending himself as best as possible. He holds this court in high esteem,” Daudu said.
He assured the court that Bello, a two-term governor, would not jump bail and would be available for trial.
Justice Nwite granted Bello bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like amount.
The court specified that the sureties must swear an affidavit of means and own verifiable properties in Abuja. The title documents for the properties are to be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
