The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on charges of alleged N110 billion fraud, commenced on Wednesday in Abuja, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting its first witness. Bello, alongside two other Kogi State officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a 16-count charge, including money laundering, conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust.
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal High Court dismissed objections raised by the defense regarding the EFCC’s evidence presentation, allowing the trial to proceed. The first witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman and owner of EFAB Properties, testified about the 2020 sale of a property in Maitama, Abuja, to Shehu Bello for N550 million. Nwaora revealed that in 2023, Shehu Bello returned the property documents, citing an ongoing EFCC investigation into the transaction. Following this, Nwaora refunded the N550 million to an account designated by the EFCC.
The EFCC’s case alleges that Yahaya Bello misappropriated state funds to acquire numerous high-value properties, including prime real estate in Abuja and luxury apartments in Dubai. The prosecution also claims that significant sums were transferred to foreign banks, including TD Bank in the United States.
Bello, who was previously remanded in Kuje prison, was granted bail set at N500 million with three sureties. The trial has been adjourned to April 3, 2025, as the EFCC continues to build its case.
This high-profile trial is expected to attract widespread public attention, as the EFCC seeks to prove allegations of large-scale corruption during Bello’s tenure as governor of Kogi State. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for accountability and governance in Nigeria.