Yahaya Bello Arrives at High Court for Arraignment on Alleged N110 Billion Fraud
ABUJA, Nigeria — Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has arrived at the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, under heavy security, to face charges of financial fraud and misconduct. His arrival was recorded at 8:50 AM on Wednesday, ahead of his scheduled arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Bureau Newspaper had previously reported that the EFCC had arrested the former governor in connection with ongoing investigations into allegations of financial fraud during his tenure as governor of Kogi State. Bello served as the state’s governor from 2016 to 2023.
Arrest and Detention
The EFCC confirmed that Yahaya Bello was arrested around 12 PM on Tuesday, following a session with investigators. Contrary to claims of voluntary submission by some media outlets, the EFCC clarified that the arrest was made by its operatives, who detained him at their facility in Abuja overnight. The arrest is part of broader investigations into allegations of financial misconduct, including the mismanagement and embezzlement of state funds.
A top EFCC official revealed that the former governor would be ferried to court on Wednesday to commence his trial.
Fraud Allegations and Fresh Charges
Yahaya Bello faces several charges, including embezzlement and abuse of office, linked to the alleged mismanagement of Kogi State funds. In November, The Bureau Newspaper reported that the EFCC filed fresh charges against him, accusing him of a N110 billion fraud.
The EFCC had initially filed 19 charges against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, and two other individuals—Dauda Suliman and Abdulsalam Hudu—for money laundering offences amounting to over N80 billion. However, the most recent charges, dated September 25, bring the total sum involved to N110.4 billion.
In the same case, the Federal Capital Territory High Court had dismissed oral bail applications for two co-defendants, Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, accused alongside Bello in the fraud case.
The outcome of Yahaya Bello’s trial and the ongoing investigations will likely be a major development in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, particularly regarding the financial mismanagement of public funds.
