The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, today before a Federal High Court in Abuja on serious charges of money laundering involving a total of ₦82 billion allegedly misappropriated during his tenure as governor.
The case, which had previously been adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite to January 21, 2025, for a ruling on whether it could proceed in absentia, is now expected to be heard much earlier, as confirmed by Daily Trust. This marks a significant development in the high-profile case, which has attracted considerable attention from both the media and the public.
In a related matter, an FCT High Court has ordered that Bello be remanded in EFCC custody on Wednesday, pending a ruling on his bail application scheduled for December 10, 2024. This decision follows his earlier appearance in court and the continuing legal proceedings surrounding the money laundering charges against him and two co-defendants.
Justice Maryanne Aninih will preside over the bail hearing for Bello, as well as for his two co-defendants, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, who are former officials of Kogi State and face similar charges of conspiring to misappropriate public funds. They are accused of diverting state funds to acquire luxurious properties in upscale areas of Abuja and Dubai, collectively valued at ₦110.4 billion.
At the previous hearing, Bello and the other defendants pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC. In his defense, Bello responded to the public summons and voluntarily appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, signaling his cooperation with the legal process.
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued for his client's bail, asserting that Bello remains innocent until proven guilty and emphasizing that the alleged offences are bailable. He further highlighted that Bello’s voluntary appearance in court demonstrates his respect for the law and commitment to the proceedings. Daudu's arguments are expected to play a key role in the upcoming bail hearing next month.
In contrast, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the bail application, contending that the application had already expired in October and requesting that the trial begin immediately. Pinheiro expressed readiness to present the prosecution's first witness in the ongoing case, signaling the urgency with which the EFCC intends to move forward with the trial of the former governor and his associates.
