The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to arraign the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The arraignment, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, is based on a 19-count involving alleged fraud totalling ₦80.2 billion.
The legal proceedings follow months of controversy and delays. Justice Nwite had previously issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest on April 17 after the former governor failed to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment.
Attempts by EFCC operatives to enforce the arrest warrant at Bello’s Abuja residence were reportedly obstructed by the current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, who allegedly whisked Bello away in his official vehicle.
Following months of evasion, Bello surrendered himself to the anti-graft agency last Tuesday. He was subsequently arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday. During that session, Justice Maryanne Anenih remanded the former governor in EFCC custody after he entered a plea of not guilty.
Although the current case at the Federal High Court was originally scheduled for January 21, 2025, the EFCC successfully convinced Justice Nwite to bring the date forward.
Bello is not the only one facing charges in this case. He will be arraigned alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, and two other individuals, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu.
The EFCC has accused the defendants of engaging in money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of public funds. The trial is expected to shed light on these allegations, which have drawn significant public and media attention.