N110bn Fraud: Yahaya Bello Arraigned, Pleads Not Guilty

Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, Denies N110bn Fraud Charges

The EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April 2024, but he eventually surrendered to the commission on Tuesday...

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of N110 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has pleaded not guilty to fraud charges totaling N110 billion, as filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege that Bello misappropriated N110 billion in state funds during his tenure as governor.

Bello's arraignment took place on Wednesday, November 27, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. He appeared in court alongside two co-defendants, facing charges that include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

The EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April 2024, but he eventually surrendered to the commission on Tuesday. His arrest was confirmed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, who noted that Bello did not voluntarily submit himself to the commission.

The courtroom proceedings were initially disrupted due to a large crowd of Yahaya Bello's supporters flooding the room. Their presence prompted Justice Anenih to abruptly leave the bench, citing a lack of decorum and announcing that she wouldn't return until the courtroom was orderly.

Yahaya Bello took charge of the situation, personally intervening to restore calm. He addressed his supporters, urging them to leave the courtroom immediately. His supporters complied without resistance, and to further enforce order, Bello stationed himself at the courtroom entrance, monitoring the crowd's departure until the space was cleared.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution team, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, has filed a 16-count charge against Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State. Bello's defense team, headed by Bodunde Dauda, SAN, maintains that the former governor is innocent of all allegations.

The charges against Bello center on financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor, including allegations of misappropriating public funds and abusing his office. Despite initial disruptions, the arraignment marked the beginning of a highly anticipated legal battle.

Bello's case has drawn significant attention, with many questioning the safeguards against corruption among public officials. The EFCC alleges that Bello dishonestly diverted over N110 billion in public funds while serving as governor.